3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.REFLECTIONSWritten by Annie DaviesPaul is faithfully and humbly preaching the gospel to the Thessalonians despite opposition (1 Thess 2:2). In verse 4 we see that Paul is doing this because his aim is to please God and not other people. It makes me think of when I share the gospel with others. When I think of the message of sin and judgement, it can sound really harsh to me and even really offensive! That, combined with a bit of pressure from the person you are sharing with (maybe they don’t seem interested or have lots of counter arguments) and all of a sudden I feel the pressure to avoid conflict and be more agreeable. So when I share the gospel, I may quickly mention sin but then slow down and focus on God’s love and forgiveness and eternal life! Who doesn’t like eternal life? But when I do this, am I trying to please God? Or am I trying to please the person I am sharing with? Paul’s example encourages me to share the gospel boldly, not seeking praise from other people but wholeheartedly serving God and making his gospel known. Please pray with me that we may present the gospel plainly to others out of loving service to God.ABOUT THE AUTHORAnnie is part of our Fairfield Evening Church.