1 Thessalonians (1 Th) 2:4-8

Instead, since God has tested us and found us fit to be entrusted with Good News, this is how we speak: not to win favor with people but with God, who tests our hearts. For, as you know, never did we employ flattering talk, nor did we put on a false front to mask greed — God is witness. Nor did we seek human praise — either from you or from others. As emissaries of the Messiah, we could have made our weight felt; but instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother feeding and caring for her children. We were so devoted to you that we were glad to share with you not only God’s Good News but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.