Paul and his companions were treated harshley in Philippi because of their faith.However,they refused to stop spreading the good news.They traveled on to Thessalonica and spoke boldly once again about Christ.They could have chosen to be more guarded and less open, in light of the abuse they had just received in Philippi. But their approach was not to give the Thessalonians believers a slice of life, sharing the Gospel, and then hiding, holding up some where safe,but rather to give them the whole loaf, by sharing the gospel and their life with the believers.
The Thessalonians likely could see how Paul worked, making tents.They could see how he conducted his business, his quality of workmanship, and how he went about making sales. They coulds see how he and Silas got along together, how they shared what the had, and how they lived out their faith in the community.How they lived the message they proclaimed. As believers, we have people looking in on us too.There are many people in our lives with whom we may share the Gospel, but who see only slices of our faith in action.(people who see us on Sunday's or at other weekly church functions).But God also places those in our path who get to see the whole loaf, those with whom we are sharing our lives,as well as the Gospel. These include our spouses and our children.Often though, there may be young or weaker believers in church who may be watching us,or co-workers,friends,and other people we might associate with regularly. How might we open up and share the whole loaf of bread with them . How might we be a walking ,living testimony of our Lord and Savior.
Paul and Silas offer up a good example of whole loaf living.They shared, not just the Gospel through words, but they showed how to apply what they were teaching to everyday life. Often it is the testimony of our lives, along side the Gospel that authenticates the message in the eyes of those around us.Even though our lives might be busy, full of activity and even a great ministry, it's important that we take time to nurture and encourage, to teach and train those believers God has placed in our path.Sharing our lives with them can positively impact their perspective on the Gospel as we faithfully live it out before them. Being doers of the word and not hearers and sayers only.Ask yourself this question daily "Am I living a life today that supports the Gospel message I Proclaim?"
Saints we make much better witnesses when what we say and what we do is the same thing. When the deaf man see's what the blind man hears we can save the whole world.
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