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not only the gospel

1 Thessalonians 2:8-9 (JDV)

1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us
1 Thessalonians 2:9 because you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you.

not only the gospel

The thing about our mission as believers in Christ is that we have the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ to share, but we do it best when we add something to it. The gospel is a message, but it requires messengers who are willing to share their own lives with those to whom they are speaking.

That is what Paul and his team did in Thessalonica. They took jobs alongside the others in the towns and villages. They joined the communities and shared the struggles and joys of the people in those communities. That willingness to incarnate was the key to success in sharing the gospel.

Lord, send us to those who need your word, and help us to share our lives as well — to connect with those who need the good news.