1You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, 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. 3For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, 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. 5As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; 6nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, 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. 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.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the breath.
- Where do you declare the Gospel in spite of great opposition?
- What gentleness do you feel?
- What tension do you feel?
- Where do you share yourself in spite of great opposition?
- What gentleness do you feel?
- What tension to you feel?
- Is there a message for you from God?
- What tender mercy is God calling you to be?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.