For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

--Parallel verses:
Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬-‭3‬
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

In our world, we see motives come into question all the time. A) One non-profit collects money for a certain race that they label “underprivileged”, but then the Executive Director buys a $4 million home with the money and calls it the headquarters. B) A guy cozies up to a girl and he seems like a dream boyfriend, but once he gets what he wants from her, he is onto the next girl. C) Some girls get together to “talk”, but what they really do is gossip about other people who they find inferior in some way. D) Family members help their elderly parents out, but behind their backs they despise them and say, “I can’t wait until I get my inheritance”.

All these examples may have a surface-level of OK-ness, or even look kind. But when the heart-motives come out, these people are mean, greedy, lustful, and/or full of thievery.

Motives matter to God. The instructions in Proverbs make it clear: God weighs our motives and if we commit our life to the Lord, he will establish our plans for us. I wonder if Paul, Timothy, and Silas had these verses in mind when they wrote this section?
Approved by God. Entrusted with the gospel. They were ambassadors of Jesus to a lost and fallen world. They did not seek praise from men, or use flattering language to endear themselves to the people. Instead, they spoke the truth plainly. And they were delighted and experienced great joy at the opportunity to share the gospel with the Thessalonians.

I can’t help but think that these verses serve, in a way, to contrast Paul, Timothy, and Silas’ actions with some of the false teachers who had penetrated the church in Thessalonica? Sometimes the best way to help a fraud stick out is to just be humble and real.
So, I need to take this example on how to live among others, and how to call those in my spiritual care back to Jesus.

Lord, teach me to care only what you think about me. Help me to seek your heart first and to be real and honest with others. May your light shine out of me as a witness of the love you have for those around me.