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1 Thessalonians 2 · Grade 4

Not to Please People

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Read and Think

Paul reminds the believers that his visit was not in vain. He and his friends had suffered and been treated shamefully at Philippi, yet they grew bold in God to share the Good News. Paul writes that they speak not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. They never used flattery or tried to get money or praise.

Instead, Paul says, But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. They loved the believers so much that they shared not only the Good News but their own lives. They worked night and day so they would not be a burden to anyone.

Paul also encouraged each believer, as a father does his own children, so they would live worthy of God. He thanks God that they received the message not as human words but as it truly is, the word of God. The believers also suffered, just as other churches did. Paul longs to see them again. He says they are his glory and joy.

Show What You Know

  1. Where were Paul and his friends shamefully treated?

  2. Whom do they speak to please?

  3. How did they treat the believers?

  4. Why did they work night and day?

  5. How did the believers receive the message?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

gentleGodfatherGoodNews
  1. He and his friends had suffered and been treated shamefully at Philippi, yet they grew bold in God to share the Good .
  2. Paul writes that they speak not as pleasing men, but , who tests our hearts.
  3. Instead, Paul says, But we were among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
  4. They loved the believers so much that they shared not only the News but their own lives.
  5. Paul also encouraged each believer, as a does his own children, so they would live worthy of God.

Think About It

  1. Paul spoke to please God, not people. When is it hard for you to choose pleasing God over pleasing others?

  2. Paul was gentle like a mother and encouraging like a father. Who has cared for you like that?

Memory Verse

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”

1 Thessalonians 2:7 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for leaders who care gently. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How can you share God's love with someone in a gentle way?
  • Why do motives matter?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.