Roles

Roles of a Lifetime

We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children….Brethren….We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father.
1 Thessalonians 1:7-11
 
In the movie, Kind Hearts and Coronets, legendary actor Alec Guinness played eight different characters, all members of the D’Ascoyne family. They were being murdered one after the other, and movie fans still marvel at how Guinness managed to play so many roles.

We have one life to live on earth, but we have many different roles. It helps to think of our relationships in this way. In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul compared himself to: (1) a nursing mother who cherished the Thessalonian Christians like his own children; (2) a brother who labored day and night for his church family; (3) and a father who encouraged, comforted, and urged his children toward godliness.

Relationships are complex, but they are the connections that allow us to minister to others. By understanding our multiple roles in someone’s life, we can help the hurting, lift the discouraged, and be the blessing God intends. Think of someone near you today. How can you be a blessing?

The followers of Jesus are children of God and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all.
F. F. Bruce