Relational Evangelism

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. ESV 1 Thessalonians 2:8

If you know anything about me, you know I’m not evangelistic at all. I love discipleship, Bible study, and leading people closer to the Lord Jesus, but I don’t know how to do that with unbelievers. I realize others are gifted in evangelism, and I’m not; and on one level that’s fine. However, on another level, God has called all of us to share our faith, and for that reason I’m praying and working toward learning how to lead others to the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul gives some of the best advice in the verse above.

First, Paul indicates he was “affectionately desirous of you.” He really loved the Thessalonians, even before…