Persecution

  In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians Paul makes a defense of his ministry in Thessalonica.  Possibly one prong of the persecution the church was under was a discrediting of Paul, Silas and Timothy.  People may have been saying to them, "Oh, you were just taken in by their trickery and flattering ways.  They are not sincerely interested in you. After leading you astray, look how quickly they left you."   And so Paul reminds them of the truth.  We had no impure motives; we were not trying to trick you; we didn't use flattery nor were we greedy.  We shared our hearts and our lives with you.  We worked alongside you while we preached to you the Gospel of Jesus.  We treated you as a father treats his own children.  And we are still concerned for you.
  For Reflection:  Paul and the other disciples did not suffer only from the physical persecution of those who wanted to kill them, but also from the slanderous tongues of those who would discredit them and their message.  Although some Christians in the world today are being killed for believing in Jesus, most are not.  But many suffer the whispered criticism, being thought less of or outright ignored.  Jesus taught us, though, to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
  Let us pray.  Jesus, we pray for all people who are persecuting Christians around the world.  Touch them, Lord, with your mercy and forgiveness and let their minds be open to your truth.

---