Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Our brothers and sisters, you yourselves know that our visit to you was not a failure. ²You know how we had already been ill-treated and insulted in Philippi before we came to you in Thessalonica. And even though there was much opposition, our God gave us courage to tell you the Good News that comes from him. ³Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone. ⁴Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives. ⁵You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk, nor did we use words to cover up greed—God is our witness! ⁶We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, ⁷even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother^a taking care of her children. ⁸Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us!

Think

Paul's harsh words are often quoted in sermons - but his gentle words are forgotten: "...we were gentle with you, like a mother taking care of her children."

As you share the good news of Christ, consider Paul's example, sharing the good news in gentleness and grace.

Pray

Lord, give love for people who don't yet know how much you love them.  And by my words and deeds help me to share the good news with them

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² 2.2 a: Ac 16:19–24
2.2 b: Ac 17:1–9

^a we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother; some manuscripts have we were like children when we were with you; we were like a mother.