"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9)
We all remember the day that the Twin Towers came down in New York City. It is one of those days etched in our minds that we can all recall where we were the moment we first saw the first tower collapse. We can also remember stories of the heroes of the day. Those firemen, police and paramedics that sacrificed their lives for the good of the innocent victims trapped in the buildings. Men and women who cared nothing for their own lives in order to save the lives of others. The same can be said of other tragedies like the tsunami in South-East Asia, and the numerous earthquakes around the globe.
But what does this have to do with today's text? Come with me and let me show us.
Motivated by Love
In verse 8 Paul reminds the church in Thessalonica of the love that he had for them, and that it pleased him greatly to share the Gospel with them, This was his motivation throughout his life. He did not just share the Gospel because he was commanded to by God, nor for any selfish gain, but purely out of love for the lost. He travelled from town to town, along dirt roads, giving up his rights in order to share the Gospel with as many as possible. Even when in prison he shared the Gospel with the guards. Paul loved everyone in a way that can only be described as godly. It was an undying, unconditional love, and it motivated him every step of the way.
Clearly those that died in the 9/11 disaster had a love for other people. They may not have been believers, but no-one would be willing to give up their lives for others if there was not some motivation of love for others to do so. This love spurred them on to save as many people as possible at the expense of their own lives.
What about you? When you tell other people about Christ, are you doing it out of a true love for others? A love that can only be described as coming from above and not of yourself? We may know all the right words and methods to share the Good News, but is the motivation pure?
Sacrificial Labour
Paul then reminds the Thessalonians in verse 9 of his labour for them. How he worked night and day for their benefit. He also hints at his hardships. While at Thessalonica he probably told them of his struggles along the way, the likes of which we read of in 2 Corinthians: "Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches." (vv24-28).
Like those who died helping others in 9/11, Paul was willing to lose his life for the benefit of others. He was willing to labour and toil for their sake, no matter how tired he became, or what injuries he suffered.
Are you willing to do the same when it comes to the Gospel? Are you willing to go through all the physical, emotional and spiritual struggles that the world will throw at you? Are you willing to have people mock you, spit in your face, or threaten your life? Life is tough, but when we begin to labour for the Gospel, it gets tougher. But then again, this is what Jesus called us to in the Great Commission after all.
Just a Thought!
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