3RD AUGUST
1 Thessalonians 2:8
“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.”
Living as a witness is not simply the declaration of our message to as many people as possible. It is the imparting of our lives in meaningful, giving relationships with people who become dear to us!
We live in a time when life seems so busy. The boss is asking for the report that’s due. Your kids have more activities than you can count. Loved ones are ill and need your care. The school formal is on this week and final exams are lingering. You’re preparing to go away or there’s a list as long as your arm of maintenance to do on the house. Between family, church and work you don’t have time for fun let alone reaching out to people who need Christ.
Consider for a moment your walk towards faith in Christ. It’s likely that a significant impact on you putting your trust in Jesus was through a meaningful relationship with a Christian. Now think of the people God used to bring you one step closer to him. In what setting did you spend time with them?
Today God wants you to remember that the gospel spreads through relationships. Do you work out? Consider working out with a non-churched friend. Are you going on holidays? Why not invite an unbelieving family to join you? What are you doing for lunch today? Consider asking a non-churched associate to join you.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
What hurting friend have you been praying for? What can you do to take action and help that person heal this week?