I Thessalonians 2:8
“so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
The most effective way to share the gospel is how Paul did it. He was persuasive in his arguments, but he shared his life as well. He was willing to sacrifice for them. The scene at this town was so tense that his preaching resulted in a riot. He was willing to risk it all for the gospel.
I’ve heard it said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Some of our times sharing Christ are quick and only a few thoughts are offered. There are other connections that are more involved. It may be a coworker that we’ve known for years.
The long term connections allow us to be with people through the seasons. We all have highs and lows, health concerns, worries about our children, and so on. This is a relational sharing of the gospel.
The Lord wants us to share the hope and the help He’s given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, He “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” We are to give that which we’ve gotten.
God brings us through many difficult situations which often involve deep disappointments. It like storm winds that came through and blew off some unstable portions of the house of our lives. He then rebuilds and heals. Psalm 23 calls these times “the valley of the shadow of death”.
The Lord has brought us through many rough times. We can pass that hope on to others that are hurting. This is how we share the gospel along with our lives.
Lord, give us opportunity, along with the courage to share your Your message.