"You will know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not in vain. We had been ill-treated and insulted in Philippi but, trusting in our GOD, we dared announce to you the message of GOD, and face fresh opposition. Our warnings did not conceal any error or impure motive, nor did we deceive anyone. But, as GOD had entrusted HIS gospel to us, as to faithful ministers, we were anxious to please GOD, who sees the heart, rather than human beings. We never pleased you with flattery, as you know, nor did we try to earn money, as GOD knows. We did not try to make a name for ourselves among people, either with you, or anybody else, although we were messengers of CHRIST, and could have made our weight felt.
On the contrary, we were gentle with you, as a nursing mother, who feeds and cuddles her baby. And so great is our concern, that we are ready to give you, as well as the gospel, even our very lives, for you have become very dear to us." - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
(As a nursing mother who feeds and cuddles her baby. Such was Paul's tenderness. Paul recalls the work and energy he spent to convince, to call each one personally. The conversion of a single person demands perseverance, weariness and struggles for the apostle.
All the Christians of Paul's time know that the mother Church in Jerusalem has been the first to suffer heavy persecution. For the Thessalonians, it was also an honor to have remained steadfast in the face of persecution.)
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