He likewise addresses the Thessalonians: “As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you conduct yourselves as worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thes 2:11-12). But as fatherhood may smack of authoritarianism, Paul tempers the metaphor with feminine imagery: “We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us” (1 Thes 2:7-8).
