Share Your Life
Is this the key to radical spiritual growth?
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With such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NET)
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I’m kind of a “meat & potatoes” guy.
What I mean is, I like the basics, the simple things. So when it comes to discipleship, I lean towards teaching others about God.
I’ll go over things like spending time in the Bible every day, praying, memorizing Scripture, etc.
But I often neglect to share my life.
This is one of those verses that constantly hits me like a ton of bricks. It challenges me to not only share the gospel of God (i.e., teaching) but also my life.
And more than that, to share my life because I care so much for these other people.
I’ve always been fascinated by Paul’s time with the Thessalonians.
We estimate that Paul spent anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months with them.
That’s it.
And yet, when he left, he was confident that they had grown enough for him to move on to other cities.
Amazing!
I think the key for that substantial growth in that short a time was this verse. That Paul shared everything about his life, that he oozed love & affection for them, that the Holy Spirit radically transformed them, which led Paul to conclude that they were fine to walk with God on their own.
This verse is a personal challenge for me.
How do I share my life so that others see not only the gospel of God, but my agape love for them?
I don’t have any quick answers.
It’s something I’m praying about.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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