Day 744: Giving of ourselves - 1 Thessalonians 2 vs 1 - 8

1-2 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 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. 3-4 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 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.

5-6 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed - God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7-8 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 English Standard Version

Verses 1-2 go back to when Paul and Silvanus were flogged and imprisoned in Philippi. After God caused an earthquake which opened the prison doors , we read: “When it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, 'Let those men go.' The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, 'The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.' But Paul said to them, 'They've beaten us publicly, uncondemned men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.' The police reported these words to the magistrates who were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them, and took them out and asked them to leave the city.” (Acts 16:35-39)

The reason I mention that incident is because it shows that Christians are not immune to the hurt of being treated in a shameful way. There are times when believers should point out the wrong behaviour of those who abuse God's people. But it also highlights the courage of Paul and Silvanus in that what they went through did not stop them from preaching the same message that had caused their sufferings, to the people of Thessalonica. Why was that? (vs 3-4)

Their message was not one that was seeking the favour of people; their aim was to be faithful to God. That's something just as important for today as it was then! We live in times when many people make a living from deceiving others. In Christians circles too. What is the give away sign of such deceivers who seek popularity? (vs 5-6)

They use flattering words to tickle the ears and egos of their hearers. They make much of wealth, and they demand loyalty and obedience to themselves. You will see all these things in religious cults, as well as in many who preach the so called 'prosperity gospel. How were Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy different to such people? (vs 7-8)

There was a tender gentleness and a deep concern for the people they were sharing God's word with. As Paul said, these new converts to Christ were ‘dear to him’ and to his co-workers. What was the result? It's expressed in those lovely words: “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves.”

They were not there just to make converts. They were prepared to give of themselves to help the converts grow in their faith, and even to share in whatever hardships the converts might go through. Now even if you and I are not an apostle or evangelist like Paul was, I think what he was doing there is something we can learn from. I know witnessing is difficult and the easiest option may be to just hand out some religious tracts. The other danger is that if someone has 'made a decision' for Christ we can be tempted to hurry on to other things. But a far deeper work is done when we are willing to make time for people, and are ready to give of ourselves. It won't be easy as we usually have family and other commitments to attend to. But sharing ourselves with others is a big way to reach out to the unconverted, and to build up those who are younger in the faith than we are.