When writing to encourage and reassure the Thessalonian church, Paul makes it clear that he considers himself to be a father to them as his beloved children. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. It's not just that this is Paul's perception of his relationship with them, but he clearly states that they know that this is how they were treated.
This is not the only time that Paul considers himself to be like a parent to the recipients of his gospel ministry. In writing to the Galatians, Paul was very concerned about how they were allowing dangerous influences into their churches. Those influences were causing great disruption to the believers and undermining the saving truth of the gospel. In his appeal to the Galatians, Paul told them about the urgency of his concern for them. Enemies were making much of them for no good purpose. They were exploiting the Galatians for their own gain. Galatians 4:18-20 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Paul calls the Galatians his little children and tells them that the intensity of his desire for them to live and grow in the truth of Christ is like the labor of childbirth. Paul's intense desire for the church whether in reassurance or rebuke is that of a loving father who yearns for his dear children to have the very best in life. The very best that Paul speaks of is the glory of the gospel and how it is revealed in a life of faith that longs of Jesus. Paul wants his children to know the wonder of living for Christ and in anticipation of his glorious return. He wants his children not to lose sight of a certain hope of eternal salvation and glory only found in Jesus. He wants his children not to let anything hinder them from receiving the prize. He will defend his children when threats arrive. He will be an example for his children in life. He will speak truth and appeal to his children out of love.
Paul may never have had physical children of his own, but Paul shows Dad's what fatherhood looks like. He also shows all of us the type of relationship that is established when the Lord uses you in gospel ministry for the salvation of another. Nothing brings a closer bond than the saving work of Christ.
When we walk into church, we walk into an assembly of saints who meet together in that very bond. The bond of a family. The church is a family built on the bond of the saving work of Christ and we yearn for each other in the same way Paul yearns for the recipients of his ministry. I'm thankful for the way the Apostle Paul speaks about the church because it helps me to see that despite the messiness of the church, I can still appeal, exhort, encourage, rebuke, correct, and comfort with the familial love that only the church can have in Christ.
Take a lesson from Paul. Start looking at your church this way.