Paul describes his relationship with the Thessalonians as affectionate, careful and as family (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12). He and his partners worked hard at coming alongside those with whom he was sharing the gospel. God used this deep love to change the hearts of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:6).
People are more open to hear your message when they sense you genuinely love them.
But human love is fickle. It is more apt to be based on reciprocal affection. God is the only source of pure love. Therefore it only makes sense to ask him to place his love for an individual in our hearts (1 John 4:7-8). Pretending never works.
