Show the Gospel--Gentle & Genuine Care for Others 1 Thessalonians 2:6b-9

How do we bring the Gospel to those around us? An article in "Just Between Us," (Beth Seversen, Fall 2001) points out that gentleness was a primary mark of Paul's ministry to the people at Thessalonica. As he starts his letter, Paul tells how he and fellow missionaries brought the Gospel to that area. Gentleness was key.  

"As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you" (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-9).

If you want to bring the Gospel to someone, especially strangers, you have to establish a relationship and trust. There are a lot of things that can be done to bring this about--very simple and small gestures go a long way to doing this. We need to be reminded of this every now and then.

Gentleness has to be genuine. Maybe that goes without saying; yet how many times have you seen "gentleness" that did not seem genuine? Paul mentions that his whole experience with this congregation was genuine. When he arrived he did not use flattery, nor did he come with ulterior motives. From first to last, Paul was there to present Jesus Christ; in the meantime, he showed real care for them. That makes sense also, for the purpose of evangelism is not simply to notch the belt with every convert, but to herald the Word of Life to lifeless souls. 

Gentleness. Do you know how many times that word is used? Six verses are found in the Bible--and all but one of them are used by the Apostle Paul.  Mostly, Paul reminded Christians to seek this as a way of life--it's listed as one of the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and as something that should be evident to all (Philippians 4:5). 

Paul practiced gentleness with all people: those who were close would love him for it, and those who were strangers would come to respect him and would listen. Note how the gentleness of God shows itself in the life of his people; as Peter himself urged: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Go with the dynamic power of God's Word and with the gentleness of his Holy Spirit.
In His Service,

Pastor Eric Zacharias
MNS District Pastoral Advisor