Share Sincere Love
Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1
1 . Shift From People-Pleasing to
Share God’s
For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. —1 Thessalonians 2:1–2
For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. —1 Thessalonians 2:3
Share with Godly
Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. —1 Thessalonians 2:4
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10 NIV
Share With Godly
For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness— —1 Thessalonians 2:5
Flattery is for
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. —Matthew 6:33
and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. —1 Thessalonians 2:6
The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. —Proverbs 29:25
2 . Shift From Selfishness To
Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. —1 Thessalonians 2:7
instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. —1 Thessalonians 2:7
We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. —1 Thessalonians 2:8
Prayer.
For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers. —1 Thessalonians 2:9–10
As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. —1 Thessalonians 2:11–12
Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4
And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. —1 Thessalonians 5:14