The Servant’s Comfort. 1st Thessalonians 2:11. When someone desires to be used and is willing and available, the Lord will make sure we are involved where the action is. There must be consistency in our lives if we expect to see that reflected in a new Christian. We need to accept ourselves and our limitations before gaining the strength of character needed to share the truth with others. New believers need someone in their lives to communicate the principles of our new life in Christ, not just transfer spiritual truth. This is shown in various ways, just as a father nurtures and instructs his children [v.11-12].
A father is careful, consistent, comforting, and cautious toward his children. A father who loves his children will not neglect them or allow them to come to harm, whether physically or in ways that could damage their minds and emotions. “Exhortation” means putting into practice what we already know. “Encouraging” is what we do after giving instructions and training our children. Then we step back so they will act on their own while the father or mentor cheers them on and watches carefully. “Charging” with a sense of urgency is a strong word, like beseeching or imploring someone to do what they know is right before God.
God witnesses to our concern for new believers. Honest concern comes from God and grows as we recognize the needs of a new child of God. To build a relationship around the Person of Christ, we must share what God has done and continues to do for us. Naturally talking and sharing our life in Christ creates an openness pattern for new Christians. Spending time together in the scriptures builds a foundation for living and faith. The Lord Jesus quoted scriptures from the Old Testament 160 times while He was with His disciples.
Fathers are aware of each of their children and their differences. By spending time together, we understand their idiosyncrasies, weaknesses, and strengths. Spiritual fathers need to be encouragers as well as committed teachers and shepherds. Comfort and consistency are two of their key traits as they seek to help young believers grow spiritually. A father warns, challenges, and loves his children with strong appeals to their hearts and consciences as he guides them through the changes that new life brings. He knows that choices and consequences can set the course of a new believer's life on a path from which there is no return. He prays earnestly that the advice he gives will not be ignored or dismissed as irrelevant.