It has been my pleasure to serve the Lord for many years. God has allowed my wife and me to serve Him both here in the United States and in the beautiful land of Nepal in S.E. Asia. During the early years of ministry, we crisscrossed America visiting many different churches as we sought to raise support for our mission endeavor. In doing so, we met many pastors and believers. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how other fellow believers understood God’s commission to “be witnesses for Him” (Acts 1:8). However, over the years, I learned that many believers can be very stern in their approach to giving the Gospel to others. A certain draconian mindset was often taught when sharing the Gospel. In fact, the focus of witnessing was often more about duty than about love. The phrase “win the lost at any cost” became a rallying cry. Unfortunately, what was lost was the believer’s compassion and love for those who were indeed spiritually lost. When it comes to witnessing, we must be motivated by love rather than duty. That is the point of this week’s verses from 1 Thessalonians.
Last week, the Holy Spirit noted the wrong approach to witnessing to others. He used Paul’s encounter at Thessalonica as our example.
“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 2:5–6)
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The Holy Spirit tells us the right approach in this week’s verses. Note some important points given to us by God.
“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8)
KJV Bible
Note that they were gentle with the people of Thessalonica. Greek authors often use the word “gentle” to characterize a nursing mother dealing with a trying child or a teacher dealing with stubborn students. When reading the account of Paul’s endeavor at Thessalonica (Acts 17), there is no doubt that it was fraught with resistance and hostility. However, despite such opposition, Paul still treated them with great gentleness. In fact, note again how gentle they were in dealing with the Thessalonicans. They did so “as a nurse cherisheth her children.” The Holy Spirit’s use of the word “nurse” is understood to be a nursing mother. Nursing mothers tenderly and gently hold their children next to them as they feed them. It is a very loving scene. Thus, in his approach to the Thessalonicans, Paul did the same. He came into their midst, not as a stern judge of their actions, ready to cut them off at the knees. Instead, he came proclaiming Christ with gentleness and compassion.
How was this possible? Again, note Paul’s heart as described by the Holy Spirit. He and his companions were “affectionately desirous” towards the people of Thessalonica. Their compassion and efforts to witness were driven by their strong affection for others. Thus, God placed within them a deep yearning to see others know Him as their personal Savior. It was a yearning to share not just the Gospel message but their very lives with the precious Thessalonicans. They were “dear” unto them.
The word “dear” is crucial. It is the same Greek word that describes God’s love. It is the word “agape.” Agape love is sacrificial love. It is the love God demonstrated towards us even while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). God thus gave His only Son, His most precious and holy possession, for us so we may have everlasting life. The Holy Spirit notes that these people were “dear” to Paul. In other words, Paul loved them just as God loved them. Consequently, Paul was more than willing to give up everything so they might know God’s great love as he did.
What was the result?
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
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The result was many did believe and receive the “word of God.” Witnessing must come from a heart of compassion and love. Yes, we must witness. However, giving the Gospel is much more than fulfilling our obligation. It is about loving people. We must see them as God sees them as His love emanates from our hearts. Much is said today about the sinful lifestyles of others. And indeed, we live in a society filled with much open sin. We must live holy lives before God so we might be valuable witnesses for Him. When giving the Gospel, we must do so with a heart filled with God’s love for others. They must be “dear” to us. We must love on them as a “nurse cherisheth her children.”