Day 119/260: Read 1 Thessalonians 2

Some people are obsessed with pleasing people, bending over backward to make friends, and they are devastated when they learn someone, somewhere doesn’t like them.

As Christians, we should never go out of our way to offend someone and we should always be looking for opportunities to help the people around us (Galatians 6:10). In so doing, however, we must be sure we never compromise the truth.

When Paul traveled on his missionary journeys, he allowed himself to adapt to certain cultural norms as long as they did not cause him to violate God’s Word. He was careful when it came to choosing between man and God though to always choose God.

“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”

We must never change the message that God has revealed in order to please those around us. Yes, the truth will offend some and make some mad. We should be careful that we do not present it such a way that we are offensive, keeping in mind that we cannot water it down to make it more acceptable. Anything less than the truth is not the truth.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Colossians 3:1. If then you were raised with ____________, seek those things which are above, where ____________ is, sitting at the right hand of ____________.

Pray

Pray for boldness and a gentle spirit in sharing the gospel with your friends and neighbors.