Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

Sharing the gospel is not about eloquent convincing or flattery language. Sharing the gospel is not a show that good Christians put on to seek glory from others and fame amongst men. Sharing the gospel at its core is this one thing; obedience to God. 

We are not called to share the gospel out of guilt. We often recognise that Christians must share the gospel, so, seeing ourselves who fail to share the gospel, we share the gospel out of guilt. This is wrong. The gospel is not selfish. The gospel is not for satisfying guilt. The gospel is God’s loving command for us to partake in His wondrous work. We should spread to gospel out of obedience to God. It is not to please man but to please God. In the end, sharing the gospel is not solely for the person who we are evangelising. In the end, it is obedience to our Master. 

How does God call us to obey Him? Paul witnesses, “we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). There are times when God gives us opportunities to speak the gospel aloud to another person. Other times, we are called to be steadfast in love, to give our own selves to others. How have we sacrificed ourselves to show someone else Christ’s love?

God’s call to evangelism shapes in us a loving heart. As Christ first loved us, now God longs to teach us to love others. He longs to teach us what it means to lay down our lives, deny ourselves, and give our whole life for the sake that others may know Christ. 

For the sake of the gospel, Paul worked night and day, that [he] might not be a burden to any of [the Thessalonians]”. Paul gave all his energy and effort for the sake of the gospel. His heart was set to love wholeheartedly, to give up his time and sweat, so that the Thessalonians could know the gospel. The love of Christ drove him to be gentle and ready to give his whole life to others that they may know the gospel. What has Christ’s love driven us to do?

Lord, thank You for Your love on the cross and the example of Paul, Your servant. I want to obey You and be a minister of Your gospel. I surrender my whole heart to You. I want my whole life, time, and effort to be used up for the sake of Your gospel. Please help me, and shape a gentleness and love for others as You loved me. Keep me and hold me because, without You, I am unfaithful. Thank You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.