Today: [1 Thessalonians 2:] Keeping Focus in the Midst of Criticism. If you ever intend to do anything more than march in place till Jesus comes, you will get criticized. In 1 Thess. 2 Paul communicates with a group of people who witnessed horrible mistreatment and slander against him because of his ministry. How he responded is an example for us to follow when we are handled deceitfully by those who think they are doing God a favor for doing so.