“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain,but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
For those of us who call the United States of America home, we should be grateful to God that He has allowed us the freedoms we enjoy in this country. These freedoms are not enjoyed in many other parts of the world though. As you read this, our brothers and sisters in Christ in many places are being extremely mistreated and even put to death for the sake of the Gospel. In this passage, Paul juxtaposes the opposition they are facing with a boldness they are continuing in. What a passionate group of believers! Despite major persecution, they saw the Gospel as more precious than the temporary pain. We are living in a day when being a Christian in the USA may get increasingly more unpopular. May we learn from Paul, believers throughout the centuries, and our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world and see the Gospel of Jesus Christ more precious than the pain.
Do you see the Gospel as valuable? Do you see the Gospel as more valuable than your personal comfort, reputation, or social status?
