January 17, 2022

I Thessalonians 2: 8 (NIV)

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well because you had become so dear to us.

The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers . . . of love is Hell.*

Paul was a man who loved deeply and openly. He loved his Lord, his job, and the people he ministered to. His letters are full of expressions of love; advice for abundant life; and admonitions against sinful behavior. I don’t know how his original audiences responded to his correspondence, but his epistles always manage to jab at my conscience a bit. He makes me think, “I should be better.” 

The words of this verse don’t just stir up a little guilt. They shame me. How about you? How much do you love to share the gospel? Paul delighted in sharing the gospel. Most of us would rather go to the dentist than to witness to someone. Seriously. What are we afraid of? Are we afraid of failure? Perhaps we forget that it’s not up to us to be successful – the Holy Spirit will take care of that. When we remember the Spirit’s role in sharing the gospel, perhaps we will be less concerned about looking foolish and more concerned about lost souls. 

And, how much do we love those who need to hear the gospel? Paul didn’t just share the gospel with them – he shared his life. Think of all the repercussions of that: inconvenience, possible rejection, expense. Perhaps your list of the potential hazards of sharing your life is a little different – but I am sure you have one. 

Sharing the gospel and loving those with whom we share it – risky business. But Jesus didn’t deliver a Mission Impossible-type command before he ascended to heaven. He didn’t say, “Your mission, should you decide to accept it . . .” No, it was more like a Nike commercial: Just do it!

The Great Commission is still an order, not a suggestion!*