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 mothera 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.
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