Nurture

The activity of caring for others and nourishing them in the life of faith. This is necessary not only for children in the home but also for new or weak believers in the church.

The nurture of children in the home

By parental instruction and example

Deuteronomy 4:9–10 See also Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Deuteronomy 11:18–21; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; 2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:15

Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”

Examples of parental care

Proverbs 1:8–10 See also Proverbs 2:1–5, Proverbs 3:1–2, Proverbs 4:1–4, Proverbs 5:1–2, Proverbs 6:1–3, Proverbs 6:20–24

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.

The nurture of young believers in the church

By the caring attitude of leaders

1 Thessalonians 2:7–12 See also John 21:15–17; Acts 20:18–20; 1 Corinthians 4:14–15; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Titus 1:9; 1 Peter 5:1–3

On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

By the leader's pattern of life

Titus 2:6–7 See also Acts 20:33–35; 1 Corinthians 4:16–17, 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:5–6

In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

By the caring attitude of fellow believers

1 Thessalonians 5:14–15 See also Romans 14:1; 1 Corinthians 8:9–13; Galatians 6:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Titus 2:3–5

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

By appropriate teaching

1 Peter 2:2 See also 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 14:20; Hebrews 5:11–14

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

By encouraging spiritual growth

2 Peter 3:18 See also 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.