Scripture
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God not people,

Observation
Paul reminds the church at Thessalonica that he had come there from Philippi where he had been badly treated. Despite this God had given him courage to preach boldly.

Paul is a messenger entrusted by God to speak on His behalf. His desire was only ever to please God and not people.

He came with love, sharing his whole life with the people there.

Application
Our motivation should always be to please God not people. Pleasing God means loving people but we must always be faithful to God's word.

Loving people does not mean using empty flattery so they will like us. It does mean giving our whole lives in service- sharing ourselves and not just words.

The heart of Paul's words here is that we have to be sincere in our love for God and for people.

Prayer
Father examine my heart and let me know your directions in all of my relationships. May I be faithful in serving you and in loving your people. Amen.