KASES stands for Kindness, Action, Service, Empathy, and Sacrifice. These core Christian values inspire everything we do, from our design process to our customer service, reflecting our commitment to spreading messages of faith, love, and compassion through our apparel.

We Speak to Please God

In our journey of faith, we often face the temptation to seek approval from those around us. Whether it's from family, friends, or society at large, the desire to be liked and accepted can lead us to compromise our beliefs. Yet, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Our ultimate goal should be to please God, not people. This principle is beautifully illustrated in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, where Paul reminds us of the importance of speaking and living in a way that honors God.

Devotion from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Verse 1-2: Boldness in the Midst of Opposition

"For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict."

Paul and his companions faced significant opposition and suffering. Yet, they remained bold in proclaiming the gospel. Their focus was not on pleasing people but on fulfilling their God-given mission. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with challenges.

Verse 3-4: Integrity in Our Message

"For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts."

Paul emphasizes that their message was delivered with integrity and purity. They spoke to please God, who examines our hearts. This poses a crucial question for us: Are our actions and words motivated by a desire to honor God, or are we trying to win human approval?

Verse 5-6: Humility in Our Conduct

"For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ."

Paul and his team did not use flattery or seek personal gain. They acted with humility, focusing on their mission rather than their status. As followers of Christ, we too are called to serve with humility and selflessness, prioritizing God's glory over our own.

Verse 7-8: Love in Our Relationships

"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 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."

Paul's love and gentleness toward the Thessalonians are evident. He wasn't just delivering a message; he was building relationships rooted in genuine affection. This teaches us the importance of sharing not just the gospel but also our lives with others, demonstrating Christ-like love in our interactions.

Real-Life Applications

Boldness in Faith

When we face opposition or ridicule because of our faith, let us find courage in God. Remember that we are called to speak His truth, not for human approval, but to honor Him.

Integrity in Word and Deed

Let us strive to live lives of integrity, ensuring that our words and actions are consistent with our beliefs. This means being honest, transparent, and pure in our intentions.

Humility in Service

In all our endeavors, let us seek to serve others with humility. Our ambition should not be to elevate ourselves but to glorify God through our actions and relationships.

Love in Action

Let our interactions with others be marked by genuine love and care. Build relationships that reflect Christ's love, sharing not just the gospel but also your life with those around you.

Conclusion

As we reflect on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, let us be inspired to live and speak in a way that pleases God. May our faith be characterized by boldness, integrity, humility, and love, always striving to honor Him above all else. Remember, in every aspect of our lives, we speak and act not to please people, but to please God, who knows our hearts.

Bible Verse for Meditation

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

May this verse be a guiding light in our journey, reminding us of our true purpose and calling as followers of Christ.

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