Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians’s 2:8 

“So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” 

This verse in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is often overlooked. It is one that is read and that is never truly studied. However, if we would slow down and examine it we would learn something about Paul’s heart towards others. 

First of all, he writes that he and his missionary companions longed for the Thessalonian people. They desired to see them saved. We too should always have this desires. We should long to see people of every race, ethnicity, and walk of life come to saving faith in Jesus. I have seen some Christians share the gospel with unbelievers, but there isn’t really any love or desire to see them come to Christ. It’s almost as if they are sharing the gospel out of guilt, not out of love. 

Next, we see that while Paul certainly shares the gospel with them, we are told he also shares something else with them. If one looks closely, Paul says that he shared his life with them. He didn’t just share the gospel and move on. He intentionally disciples those who put their faith in Christ. Why did he do this? He did it because they had become dear to them. Paul’s exact words are, 

“we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” 

Friends, we need this same type of love for others. Yes we should share the gospel out of sense of responsibility, becuase we want to be obedient to God’s commands, but above all else, we should share it because of love. Then once we share it, we should also give our lives to those people. We don’t just get someone saved and abandon them. We walk with them, teaching them the way of Christ, and loving them all the while. Friends, give them the gospel and your life!!