1 Thessalonians 2

It seems odd to read about someone else's recollections and be able to draw connections to today's life, but God will if we allow Him to.
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In verse 2, God gives COURAGE to declare His Good News BOLDLY! I love it, but I sometimes don't see it. A lot of the time I see the Word being declared with boldness yet not balanced out with humility, and folks are really turned away. Philippians 2 says to also, "Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your 

own interests, but take an interest in others, too." I read this and think of the individual who would rather be right, than consider the eternal life of the soul right in front of them (or posting on social media). Unfortunately, I have been there myself from time to time.

We should be devout, honest and faultless towards others, as God would have us be because He has called others to share in His Kingdom glory as well, verses 10 & 12.

Yesterday, we were reminded the Holy Spirit gives Words that assure others and today see those same Words (if given by the Spirit of God) will continue to work in those who believe (see verse 13.)

Everything; courage, humility, boldness, and the words we speak are to come from Christ, to HELP others grow in their faith. Will it always be received well? Perhaps not. Verse 14 states the Thessalonians suffered persecution from their own countrymen. This reminds me of Psalm 27:10 where David's own parents rejected him: “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.” And Psalm 38:11, “My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance.”
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Rejection can feel like persecution, but as long as we have our identities firmly covered by Christ (remember the covering back in John) we will be able to humbly and boldly endure any suffering that may come our way, continue in faith, and be LIVING TESTIMONIES of Jesus.