From Today in the Word
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (New International Version)
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Rather than impersonal duty, we see Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children. Rather than some memorized script, we find Paul sharing his very life. Hearts are won when we share our lives, not just the right answers or doctrine. This is a real challenge to the impersonal atmosphere present in many churches today, where individuals remain anonymous, never experiencing the tender love and intimate care that is pictured in this passage. What a model for ministry today’s verses give us!
Puddles
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