Not only

I love this verse.

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."

1 Thessalonians 2:8

I could eat this verse. (A la Jeremiah 15:16 - "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.")

The language choice is beautiful, but it's the picture of community that draws me in. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are speaking to the church at Thessalonica and proclaim their delight in sharing.

Obviously the mission had been to share Christ, and in doing that give life, (John 10:10 - "I have come that they may have life...") but Paul takes the time to use the phrase as well. Those two small words cause me to wonder if we can share one without the other. Can we reveal the gospel of Christ and remain unattached from the message? I hope not.

Paul reminds me that in each interaction I have with a parent or child, I am called not only to give them Jesus, but to do so in love, giving of myself. For if "I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1

This weekend - In a Nutshell Week #2: "Jesus teaches me to be wise." Luke 2:39-52

See you there!

Ginger