1 Thessalonians 2 reminds me of introducing my future wife to my family. I was not the least bit surprised when they immediately embraced her and welcomed her into the family. I knew they would love her because of the way she loved me. Today’s lesson is about the healing power of love. Paul writes to his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica, recalling he was wounded when he arrived, but was willing to risk being hurt again. Though he had been “treated outrageously in Philippi”, he did not hesitate to preach Christ “in the face of strong opposition”. Paul understood others had proposed one-sided relationships with the Greek gods. He notes that he did not come with “impure motives”, nor was he “trying to trick” them. He says, on the contrary, he was “entrusted with the gospel” to please God, not people. He continues, “we never used flattery”, nor “put on a mask”. The message of the cross does not require deception because hope is beautiful and refreshing. Paul adds that he was not looking for “praise from people”. Rather than arrogance, Paul said “we were like young children among you”. We see a picture of simple innocence; love without requirements.
Paul describes the how deeply he cared for them, “as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you”. A nursing mother does not withhold lifegiving sustenance. She willingly sacrifices her time, sleep and personal wants for her baby. Paul adds, “we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives”. Telling is not the same as demonstrating. Additionally, he notes that through it all, he kept his day job, “we worked night and day” so as “not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel”. Paul did not take up an offering because he did not want any confusion about his motivation. Also note that he did not compromise his responsibilities, “we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children”. Sometimes Dad has to be firm. Enduring relationships also include “encouraging” and “comforting” each another.
While Paul was with them, he urged them to “live lives worthy of God”. That kind of long-term perspective helps us make wise decisions. Paul again expresses joy thinking about how their lives were transformed by the Gospel. He says “you accepted it not as a human word”, but “the Word of God”. Unity means that people work together toward a shared goal. He says they “became imitators of God’s churches in Judea”. Strong couples become like-minded and reflect back the esteem they receive. Adversity can divide, or even more firmly bind us together. Paul notes that they experienced persecution, “You suffered from your own people”. And he makes it clear that this kind of depravity has been around forever, and will remain. The same kind of hatred “killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out”. Those that rebel against God’s standards “are hostile to everyone” that embrace righteousness. Some will encourage literally any philosophy except “speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved”. Paul closes with a deep expression of love toward them. He misses them and tried to get back to visit again. With an “intense longing we made every effort to see you”. Paul describes them as the most important thing in his life, “our hope, our joy… the crown”. When Paul reflected back on all of his success and accomplishments, he was most satisfied by the people he has seen find peace with God through Christ; “Indeed, you are our glory and joy”. I believe that when we stand before God, Jesus Himself will point to us with this kind of pride. We will be fully embraced because of the love of Christ for us. My friend, I pray that you will allow yourself to trust in the sacrificial love of Christ and the transforming power of the Word of God. It can heal every hurt.