Sharing The Good News

Sharing the gospel has never been easy for me, especially through speech. I always made the excuse of saying "actions speak louder than words, so people will see Christ through my actions". But I have been reminded that this is the good news, and the news is spread by word, as well as deed. Paul shares about his ministry in chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, i've started to see what type of attitude we should have when it comes to sharing.

perseverance regardless of the opposition (v.2)
There is plenty of fear, trembling, and anxiety when we share, especially with strangers, or even friends. But our Lord is our strength and he is the one that is guiding us through it all. Paul pushed through and shared "regardless of the opposition", whether if they wanted to throw him in jail, or murder him; and I think it shows how urgent Paul felt it was and how much dedication he had to it. For us to be able to push so strongly through, we have to have that heart for God, that motive to go forward with it no matter what the outcome may be; rejection, insults, persecution, or celebration.

not to please men, but to please God (v.4)
I did not know they touched on this outside of Galations 1:10, but they do mention this a lot in the passage here. It is so easy for us to turn things around and do things for ourselves, wanting the praise and recognition instead of giving it back to God. I often question myself and ask if what im doing is for God's glory or for my own praise. Even when we share, we are not use flattery or put masks on to cover anything up (v.5). Have your eyes set on God, and nothing else and you'll learn to act for the right reasons.

be vulnerable, share your story and burdens with others (v.8-9)
I've learnt over the many years that when you share with someone and be transparent, it helps them be transparent too. You have to be the one to create that comfortable trusting environment before another can open up to you. I have always told myself that if someone carries the same burden as me, I would be more than happy to share it with them and have us support each other through our trials. In the same way, by sharing our story and God's work in our lives, you become a living testimony, and nothing is stronger than a personal story. Being vulnerable can also be risky, but when did God ever play it safe?

our hope, joy, glory is found in others and their acceptance of the good news (v.19)
Paul made every effort to see the Thessalonians when he was away physically (v.17-18). To see someone come/come back to Christ should be our motivation and our push. To rejoice when others have found new life, to celebrate when one has found eternal hope. Let the saving of others be our joy, knowing that God is working and may we push to keep sharing with others.

verse of the day: 1 Thessalonians 1:19-20

¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory and joy.