5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
(I Thessalonians 2)
Two things happen to us when we have been transformed by the Gospel of Christ. First, we want to tell others, so they can receive what we have. That was the ultimate goal of Paul, Silas and Timothy as they traveled around the Roman world teaching Jews and Gentiles alike. But something also happens to us relationally and emotionally: a loving concern for fellow believers. People with whom we share the gospel are much more than a project, source of income, means of self-fulfillment or adoration; they are family for whom we would do anything. When Christ changes us within, He tranforms our motives and way of thinking, as well as our attitudes and actions. God has given us the good news to share, and many other good things as well.
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