Wednesday
Read: 1 Thess. 2:1-8
SOAP: 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.”
Paul shared the salvation message with sincerity, not to selfishly serve himself. Fully surrendered to the Gospel, he sacrificially served others and accepted suffering because he understood that we never speak the Word of God in vain. His ministry was more concerned about the eternal souls of the Thessalonians than with making a name for himself.
Paul did not let conflict or criticism deter him from completing his calling as God’s mouthpiece. His heart ached with one burning passion that impacted how he viewed mankind: he saw every man as a lost soul in need of the Father’s love. Just as a mom is compelled to nurse a tiny baby in her arms, Paul is tender to help point every hungry soul to the true source of sustenance in the one true God.
Have you considered what an awesome privilege it is that your God has entrusted you with the precious message of the Gospel? Ask God to break your heart for the lost and fill you up with a passion to share the Good News with compassion. You are not responsible for the results, but you are required to speak up and share.
Lord, give me the passion and boldness of Paul to communicate the hope of salvation with the people in my circle of influence. Burden me with a tender affection for the souls of men and show me how to tell the lost that You alone truly satisfy. Amen.