Xanthe Hancox

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. 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 2:7b-8

As we’ve seen this week so far, Paul has spent a lot time encouraging the Thessalonians to boldly share the gospel. Now, he tells us that there’s more to being a Christian than simply telling others about Jesus – we need to share our lives.

All of us who believe the gospel are united in the Spirit through Christ to the Father, and that unity is the basis of Christian fellowship. We are united to one another by common beliefs, purposes and goals. Just as a child needs a mother, so we need each other. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul identified this need to belong when he said, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Every time Paul wrote to a church, he would always mention two, three, or four people by name who were very close to him. He had developed significant relationships with these people. Paul loved them. There were no barriers between Paul and the Christians he met on his journeys. He didn’t lead them to Christ and then hand them over to someone else, he opened his life to them.

A mother cannot nurse her children without sharing a part of herself with her child. For us to have real fellowship we have get up close and personal with another. One cannot share at a distance. We must commit ourselves to becoming interested and accountable to each other. True Christian fellowship sharpens our faith and encourages us to exercise our faith in love and good works, all to God’s glory.

This is the heart of the gospel of God. Not only did the apostles share the good news with these believers but they gave them a part of their lives!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that, as your child, I am part of a wonderful fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach me to share my life more deeply with others. Amen