Day 88 — Sharing Our Lives

Day 88 · Helping Others Follow Christ · 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (NET2)

Paul describes ministry through the tenderness of a nursing mother and the encouragement of a father. He and his companions shared not only the gospel but their lives, working with integrity and urging believers to walk worthily of God. Helping others mature involves more than scheduled instruction. It includes affection, availability, example, and encouragement that points toward God’s calling.

Request

Father, teach me to share your truth with genuine affection and integrity. Amen.

Read

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

⁷ although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, ⁸ with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. ⁹ For you recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe. ¹¹ As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, ¹² exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory.

Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).

Reflect

1. What qualities characterize Paul’s relationships with these believers?
2. How could you offer personal encouragement rather than only information?

Restate

Describe how sharing life can support, rather than replace, faithful teaching.

Respond

Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:

• Praise: Praise God for his tender care.
• Thanksgiving: Thank him for people who have shared life and faith with you.
• Confession: Confess keeping people at a distance while offering advice.
• Intercession: Pray for someone needing steady encouragement.
• Petition: Ask for sincerity, appropriate availability, and a trustworthy example.

Carry it into today: Spend time listening to a newer believer’s joys and difficulties.