Prison is not an ideal setting for an author, but it certainly concentrated Paul's mind on his book. He was writing about the cause of his imprisonment - his love and service of the gospel of Christ. It certainly got him into trouble but he was able to write from the experience of knowing that the violence and intimidation of the world could never stop the gospel. Likewise, his gentleness and humility were more powerful than military forces in turning people from idols to serve the true and living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

So, Paul urged his readers not to retaliate against their persecutors with the same aggression (John 18:36). Neither should they use the same tactics in internal power struggles within the fellowship. In Jesus' kingdom, the power comes from love; and 'love' is a word that describes sacrificial self-giving to meet the needs of another. It is easy to talk 'love' or to imagine the pleasure of being loved, but that is not real love. We are called to receive God's love (sacrificially paid for) and then to dispense that love sacrificially: that is our calling.

Paul's message, at this junction between the doctrinal chapters (1-3) and practical discipleship chapters (4-6), is to call his readers to his side (which is what ‘urge’ means in this context). They might well be the next ones in trouble with the world, if their lifestyle is worthy of Christ. Their objective must be to live for Christ and not to disown Christ in order to dodge the consequences of being a Christian. But if they are to join Paul, let it be for the right reasons. 1 Peter 4:15-16 puts it like this: "If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." A valid Christian lifestyle is characterised by humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance – which are the evidence of the indwelling Spirit of God bearing fruit in the believer's life (Galatians 5:22). That is the life to which we are called, to walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). If that gets us into trouble, so be it – the Lord will honour those who live like Jesus (1 Samuel 2:30).

It is not easy to choose to serve others at work, especially if you work in a competitive environment where 'dog eats dog'. But humble and joyful service is always the Jesus' way. The humble spirit will crack nuts that dent sledgehammers. However much you may wish you were elsewhere, rejoice that you are where God has placed you – because that is where He wants to use you. Your experience may never equal that of the persecuted church, believers victimised for their faith or who are the constant butt of their family's malicious humour - but those who stand up best for Christ are those who lay down their rights as they serve others.