Thursday, October 22, 2026

Scripture

“For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, …” 1 Thessalonians 2:3

Reflections

The Christian faith has taken quite a beating in the media.  We see self-promoting televangelists who do quite well on the economic front.  They unashamedly proclaim that “the more money you give me, the more you will be blessed.”  They are motivated by power, prestige, and wealth.  They have no problem swindling people out of their hard-earned money.  They live self-indulgent lifestyles while ignoring the needy.  They are predators using the name of God.

It appears that this kind of thing is nothing new.  There were some at the time of the Apostle Paul who would take advantage of others in the name of God.  God became a means to their self-serving ends.

Paul worked overtime putting daylight between himself and any charges of this kind.  He named that he wasn’t much of a smooth talker.  As the gospel’s spokesperson, he got beat up, humiliated, and was even jailed.  When needed, he did honest work with his hands, relying on his trade as a tentmaker to make ends meet.  He did all this because he wanted for people to know God’s love for them.

It’s all about Christ-like love.  Above all else, we must be known for our love.  The love of Jesus must exude from us with such obvious fervor that no one can miss it.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to share the gospel.  Purify my motives that others might feel the love of Christ through me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8