But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
(1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, NASB)
Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). He went on to say. “… love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
As followers of Christ, we are to love one another. We are to be kind and gentle. We should show compassion. Throughout the gospels, we see how Jesus cared for others.
He showed compassion to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11) and to the woman with a flow of blood (Matt. 9:22). He was gentle when he met the Samaritan woman in her shame (John 4:1-26). He grieved with Martha and Mary (John 11:35).
And Jesus’ heart broke when He saw the rebellion of His people: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34).
So as Jesus showed compassion and gentleness, we should do the same. We should treat our brothers and sisters with affection and kindness, loving them as we love ourselves. Even more, loving them as Jesus loves us.
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