Enjoy Life, Enjoy God
SHARED LIVES
December 19, 2011
We often view Christian life from an individualistic perspective, when in truth the faith is very much a shared experience.
Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
--1 Thessalonians 2:8 TNIV
To share the gospel, the good news, is not simply passing on a message, but to share, to intermingle our very lives. There is no running up to a person and saying, "Are you saved? Do you know Jesus?" At its best, it's inviting people that we love into our lives. That is gospel sharing, because it's the sharing--these people become part of our lives.
Paul loved the Thessalonians, they loved him. They knew they were not "mission projects," but beloved friends. We share the gospel with others, likewise, by the lives we share, and by sharing real living with those around us.
Joyfully,
Dale Patterson