8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
— 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Here, the apostle Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica about his time preaching, working, and teaching there.
He makes the point that he “gave his own self” to the Thessalonian believers. But what does that mean?
It means servitude. He laid down his own preferences and desires for their preferences and desires. He acted in a selfless manner, counting others more important than himself:
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
— Philippians 2:3
Here is a more practical way of thinking about it:
Every day, treat others like it’s their birthday. By doing so, you are embodying the character of Christ, who laid down his own life so we could have life everlasting. He is our example.
I often find myself making decisions out of selfish ambition. It is something I am working on, and I want to utilize this idea in my own life and see how it plays out. If you are in a similar situation, I suggest you do the same.
I hope this shorter message is valuable and encouraging. I’m sure you are busy, but I pray you can start this week off on the right foot.
Keep making progress. Change for the better. Live the Heming-way.
God bless,
Trevor