The Biscuit TrailSample

Building a Friendship

Mothers don't just teach their toddlers important information, they get down on their hands and knees to play! The same love that motivates a mother to feed her child also motivates her to get down on the kids' level. Drinking imaginary tea with stuffed animals is not a hobby many adults would pick, but because of love, most parents have done it!

Paul was like a loving mother, pouring himself out because of his love for the Thessalonians. Paul was moved by the Father's heart for all people, not just to pray, but to share the good news of Jesus, patiently teaching whoever would listen. The same love that motivated him to share the good news also motivated him to share his very life.

Time is precious and it can be tempting to hoard it for our own pleasure. But a life that is spent on its own gain is not a life that is being transformed by the message of Jesus. Jesus gave his life on the cross so that we could be set free from the tyranny of selfishness. Paul was committed to imitating Jesus, his new master, and so his life became an expression of the love of God.

When we are motivated by love to share the gospel, we will also be motivated to share our lives. The message of Jesus is most meaningful when accompanied by demonstrations of love, and demonstrations of love give most glory to God when they are explained by the message of Jesus!

Action

Try inviting someone to share a meal, drink or an activity with you, and look for opportunities to serve others who are in need.

Prayer

Confess the ways in which you spend your life selfishly and ask the Holy Spirit to increase your love for God and your neighbour. Thank Jesus for sharing His life with you.

If you have committed to praying for five people, consider how you can 'share your very life' with them. What questions can you ask that will help you get to know each other more deeply? What activities can you do that will build bonds of love?

Spend some time praying for the good news to be shared with clarity and power, and accompanied by acts of love and service.