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
Even in the face of adversity, Paul describes the manner in which he and his partners have shared the gospel, being “gentle…like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children.” Paul has faced persecution over the proclamation that Jesus is King and Lord yet shows gentleness and not forcefulness in the way he proclaims Christ.
Like the cypress trees on a river’s edge, standing firm does not have to be loud and argumentative. In fact, in most cases where there is argument, you are more likely to have true influence over someone if you aren’t yelling at them or degrading them.
The world today, and particularly American culture, seems to live in a state of perpetual disagreement. This may not be so different from any other time in history. However, the way conflict is handled can become divisive. Forcefulness rarely changes a person’s convictions, but gentleness invites love and relationship which in turn open the door to a converted heart.
Prayer
God of gentleness, you invite your people into a life of witness with gentle love and compassion. Help us to share your word even in difficult circumstances with gentleness and grace. Amen.
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