Hallmark estimates that 150 million Mother’s Day cards were sent this year Americans spent an average of $105 on Mother’s Day gifts this year More phone calls will be made today than any other day of the year

The busiest day at car washes? Yesterday- the Saturday before Mother’s Day

Answers given by 2 nd Graders Why did God make mothers? She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. Mostly to clean the house. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders How did God make mothers? He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. God made my Mom just the same like He made me. He just used bigger parts.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders What ingredients are mothers made of? God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mom? Cause we’re related. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people’s moms like me.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders What kind of little girl was your Mom? I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. They say she used to be nice.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders Why did your Mom marry your Dad? She got too old to do anything else with him. My Grandma says that Mom didn’t have her thinking cap on.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders What does your Mom do in her spare time? Mothers don’t do spare time. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders What would it take to make your Mom perfect? On the inside she’s already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. Diet. You know, her hair. I’d diet, maybe blue.

Answers given by 2 nd Graders If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be? I’d make my Mom smarter. That way she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

Of Ministers and Mothers

The background of First Thessalonians is to be found in Acts 17:1-9 Paul had twice attempted to revisit the brethren there but had met with disappointment in his attempts He had sent Timothy to inquire about them and had received a favorable report, with some exceptions

Chapter 2 begins with a reminder to them of Paul’s character and life as he ministered among them previously In his reminder he uses an illustration of a nursing mother to correspond to his care of and concern for them Through his illustration we not only see the compassion of a mother, but also the character that should attend every ministering servant of God

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as

pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were From the Greek word meaning “to keep warm; to cherish with tender love” The picture is of a nursing mother and her gentleness with her infant

willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:1-9 willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:1-9

Notice some of the qualities of mothers that Paul points out as also being qualities that characterized his service among them and that should characterize the way we minister to others

Mothers Care Gently

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9

A nurturing, loving mother cares deeply for her child She deals gently with him and cares for his every need with a love unparalleled in human activity* Gentleness is a characteristic of all faithful followers of God

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. II Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. II Timothy 2:24-26

A nurturing, loving mother cares deeply for her child She deals gently with him and cares for his every need with a love unparalleled in human activity Gentleness is a characteristic of all faithful followers of God It is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit and as having originated in heaven

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:16, 17 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:16, 17

As a loving mother, each of us must deal gently with our fellow man in bringing him to obedience Gentleness bespeaks a loving heart and genuine affection “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care”

Mothers Desire Affectionately

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9 Adverb of manner meaning “after this fashion; in this manner” In the fashion of an affectionate mother Paul desired their obedience to the gospel

Loving mothers have great aspirations for their children They want the best for them in every facet of their lives Their desires are expressed in every aspect of childrearing They teach, train, guide and discipline based on the desire for making their children productive citizens*

In this same manner Paul was desirous of his brethren in Thessalonica, that they would be productive citizens of the Lord’s kingdom His desires were expressed in various ways- instruction, guidance and even disciplinary measures As members of Christ we must have the same desire and attitude today

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:9, 10 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:9, 10

Mothers Invest Spiritually

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9

Paul wanted to impart the gospel to them He was investing himself in them in order that they might understand the great need for the gospel they had in their lives His statement is still under the shadow of a mother’s love Godly mothers invest heavily in the spiritual wellbeing of their children*

Jochebed, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Lois and Eunice, all stand as great examples of mothers who invested in the spiritual lives of their children

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. II Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. II Timothy 3:15

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. II Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. II Timothy 1:5

Jochebed, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Lois and Eunice, all stand as great examples of mothers who invested in the spiritual lives of their children A preacher and his four sons (who were all preachers) were asked on one occasion which one was the best preacher in the family Almost in unison they replied, “Mom”

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Proverbs 1:8, 9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Proverbs 1:8, 9

Mothers Love Sacrificially

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9

Epitaph found on the tombstone of a woman married for 60 years: “She always made home happy” Solomon used his knowledge of a mother’s love to solve a difficulty on one occasion His judgment depended on the fact that this woman loved son more than self and would do for him what she would never do for herself

And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. I Kings 3:25, 26 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. I Kings 3:25, 26

Mothers sacrifice time, wants, sleep, health, finances, interests and a host of other things Their love is sacrificial at its core* Through the sacrificial love of moms we find the kind of love we should have for Christ and His Cause

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

We would expect no less than sacrificial love from mothers; God should expect no less than sacrificial love from each of us Paul also presented his love for the Corinthians in terms of sacrifice

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. II Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. II Corinthians 12:15

Mothers Work Tirelessly

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:7-9

“A father’s work is sun to sun, but a mother’s work is never done” Her tireless efforts are depicted in Lemuel’s presentation of the virtuous woman

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:13-15 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:13-15

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. Proverbs 31:17, 18 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. Proverbs 31:17, 18

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

“A father’s work is sun to sun, but a mother’s work is never done” Her tireless efforts are depicted in Lemuel’s presentation of the virtuous woman Mothers give tireless efforts in their domain- the home* Like a working mother, Paul worked tirelessly among the Thessalonians

Likewise, our efforts for the kingdom are to be tireless

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:25

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:10-12 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:10-12

In order for an illustration to be effective it must be practical and understandable Paul was counting on their understanding of a mother’s love to demonstrate his concern for them

Mothers & Ministers: Care Gently Desire Affectionately Invest Spiritually Love Sacrificially Work Tirelessly