Personal Sharing!

Paul was squarely focused on his ministry of the gospel. His aim was for the message to always be the message of God. However, though the message Paul preached was not his own (he recognizing the need to be a good steward of it), his ministry was extremely personal.

Writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul stated…
“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.” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV)

The “we” Paul mentioned was Silvanus (or Silas), Timothy, and himself.
Paul and his companions had such a connection with the brethren at Thessalonica they were willing to share their VERY LIVES with them. It doesn ’t get any more personal than that! Paul had just used the picture of a mother caring for her child as a picture of that relationship (vs.7) and would go on to note a father/child relationship (vs.11) as another illustration. What wouldn’t a loving parent be willing to share on behalf of their loved ones? What sacrifice would be withheld? Such was the view Paul had toward these brethren.

We may find it very easy to give people things; some food, some money, a possession they need that we know we could do without, etc. However, when it comes to giving very much of our time and self we may tend to ponder it a bit more. What sort of tie do we have with others within the church? How personal are we willing to make the relationships?

Paul expressed the same sentiment with regard to the church at Corinth.
“I WILL MOST GLADLY SPEND AND BE SPENT FOR YOUR SOULS. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” ( 2 Corinthians 12:15 ESV)

We may spend our money and possessions on others to their benefit and encouragement. However, the most beautiful gift is that of ourselves. Jesus gave us the example of godly living through the various ways in which He gave of Himself as He connected with others even before the ultimate gift of Himself on the cross for our salvation. The spending of our time and our VERY LIVES with and for others is one way of revealing our appreciation for what we have received in our relationship with Christ. After all, what we do with and for others -- the way that we spend OUR LIVES for them -- is as doing it unto our Lord. ( Matthew 25:37-40) May we grow in a Christ-like love that will promote the sharing of OUR LIVES with others.

Have a great day TAKING GIVING PERSONALLY!
Carl

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