In this matter of relationships Paul was imitating the Lord Jesus Christ in his incarnation. God did not merely communicate doctrines and ideas to us from heaven; he sent his Son, who became flesh and pitched his tent among us (John 1:14). Jesus had a human family, ate and drank with friends, and shared in the everyday tasks of life. He taught with his words, but he also demonstrated by his example what it means to live for God. He proclaimed the salvation of God, but he also let people experience, in the most practical way, that he loved and cared for them (e.g. John 13:1–38).
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.