1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 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.
Reflection
- Chapter in a Glance: Paul reminded his readers that he had been persecuted for his preaching and claimed that his message was true, his motives pure, and his methods straightforward. He encouraged them not to abandon the gospel.
- For Paul, evangelism was always delightful and exciting. He has been a faithful servant of God with the motive not to win the approval of the Thessalonians, but to please God who knows our hearts and our motivations. His attitude toward the Thessalonians was gentle and unselfish like a nursing mother. Paul gave himself, not just his message, to the Thessalonians out of love for them, not for personal gain. This is the secret of Paul’s success—the continual and selfless giving of his all to people whom he loved dearly.
- How do you feel about telling others about your faith? Talk with God about any fears or guilt you experience. Ask God to give you encouragement to be a gentle and loving evangelist.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv1-2 only.)
Do you like to share Jesus with your friends? What did you tell her/him? Have you invited any of your friends to church? How did you do that? Each person prays for one of his/her friends and for the opportunity to share the gospel as well as to invite him/her to church. Write the names in your Family Devotional Journal. Remember to pray for each of them often.
Proverbs for Today 23:9-11
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient landmark
or enter the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Redeemer is strong;
he will plead their cause against you.