1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a
failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted
in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our
God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
3For the appeal we make does not spring from
error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to
be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to
please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know
we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover
up greed—God is our witness. 6We were not looking
for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to
you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring
for her little children. 8We loved you so much that
we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel
of God but our lives as well, because you had become so
dear to us. 9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and
hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a
burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God
to you.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous
and blameless we were among you who believed.
11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father
deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting
and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls
you into his kingdom and glory.