1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, Verse 2but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. Verse 3For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, Verse 4but 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. Verse 5As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; Verse 6nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others,
Verse 7though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. Verse 8So 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.
Devotion
Although the Camino de Santiago is marked with yellow arrows and seashells, we often lost our way. Every time we strayed, however, some local person (an angel?) appeared to give us directions. In Pamplona, a stranger walked a half mile to help us find our hostel. In Astorga, a man came out of his house to tell us we had missed a turn and to set us straight. We treated each of these experiences as gifts of concern, time, and care, given to us by strangers but as if by God.
Paul’s affection for the Thessalonian believers exemplifies such self-giving on a grander scale. He was led to share not only the good news but his and Silas’ “own selves.” The Greek word translated “selves” (psychas) appears in other translations as “life” or “soul.” Paul would give his life for those believers because they were beloved by him. Paul’s offer is given as if by God in Christ. It is worth pondering who has loved us enough to give themselves to us. Whom might we so love today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as you embrace me with an unconditional love, help me to love others, giving them my love and myself. Amen.