1 Thessalonians 2:3-8

New International Version

³ For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,^(A) nor are we trying to trick you.^{(B) 4} On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(C) We are not trying to please people^(D) but God, who tests our hearts.^{(E) 5} You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(F)—God is our witness.^{(G) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(H) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(I) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(J) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^{(K) 8} so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(L) but our lives as well.^(M)