Thoughts for the Day

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; as we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Paul's opponents in Thessalonica have been stirring up things against Paul in the city, based on what had happened to him at Philippi (Acts 16.16-40). By the time the news spread to Thessalonica they seem to have been saying that he and his companions were convicted felons who had escaped. Some thought he was mad, or that he was out for what he could get. But Paul argues his case against these accusations saying that he is preaching God's message and he neither seeks praise nor payment, and indeed he worked long hours while he was with them. We know from Acts that Paul was a tent-maker (Acts 18.1-3) and that he worked hard enough to support himself as well as others (Acts 20.33-35).

If this is a message for Christian ministers it is also a message for each and every Christian. Imagine Paul making tents, his eyes and hands busy on his work, while the rest of him is free to talk and listen - to pass on the Gospel message to those around him. He goes gently, at their pace, as though dealing with children, not forcing the issue or using complex arguments. He wins them over by persuasion and encouragement, pleading with them to give this new religion a try, and to live a life 'worthy' of God.

All of us come across young Christians at some time or other. They may be 7 years old or 70 years old, but are young in the faith. They may have just come to church, or not made that leap yet. Helping them can be a joy as we answer their questions (and admit our ignorance as needed), as we share the joys of our faith, and as we move on learning together, whether that is working alongside them, or over a cup of tea, or on a walk.

Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank You for all those who taught us our faith;
who gently guided our steps as we began our journey;
and encouraged us to move forward.
May we learn to help others as role models,
and in doing so learn more about You
as we share our journey with them.
Amen.