Listen

We didn’t ask for special treatment from people—not from you or from others— although we could have thrown our weight around as Christ’s apostles. Instead, we were gentle with you like a nursing mother caring for her own children. We were glad to share not only God’s good news with you but also our very lives because we cared for you so much.

1 Thessalonians 2:6-8

Think

Finding a community in life or religion can be a difficult task. Seeing God in a new way is always a bit of a scary experience. It is important to be able to find a place and environment where you feel safe and nurtured.

Paul describes a caring community in his letter to the Thessalonians – where the people were treated so gently, “like a nursing mother caring for her own children.”

For a lot of kids, going to camps during the summer and learning about God in a way they don’t have at home can be so crucial for their lives and their faith journey.

God will always provide a safe and nurturing space for you.

Youth participants of the Episcopal Youth Event 2023

Question to Ponder:

When have you experienced this kind of a caring and nurturing community?

Pray

God, thank you for the spaces you fill with love and grace.

Help me to continually search for the places where love and grace are abundant.

Help me make space for others where they can experience that love and grace.

Amen.

Go

Just knowing you’re mindful of me

Just knowing you call me your child

It’s flooding my soul with unspeakable hope

Thank you, Lord, that it’s me on your mind

Matthew West in “Me On Your Mind” (2022)