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.(1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Paul (Saul) was never a people pleaser. As a Pharisee, he had directed the arrests, beatings, trials, and murders od Christians. Once convinced by the Lord Jesus of the TRUTHS of God, Paul was fired up and determined to do the will of God! Now he was the one chased down, imprisoned, beaten nearly to death and shipwrecked at sea. He was a man about his and no one would deter him from the task at hand!
Many today are approved by men. We all have our degrees, job titles, and prestigous positions of influence. We have passed many tests to get where we are in life. We qualify!But has God approved us . . . .
God tests the heart. He allows trials and tribulations not so man can see we are worth the efforts but that He (God)can see how much He can trust us. Paul was very open and honest with all he dealt with in life. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God(1 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
God deals with each of His children in the same way. he loves us enough to care for us, nourish us, provide for us, correct us ,and direct us. As leaders in the faith, we need to deal with others open, honestly, and directly . . . in love!
God knows our hearts and the hearts of others . . .let's love one another as God has loved us!
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