So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
To “impart”, as we see it used here, means to give over or to share. There are two things Paul talks about imparting to the church at Thessalonica; the Gospel and his own life. The first is relatively easy, although it usually comes with a price. Many times, throughout the New Testament, we see the early believers persecuted, sometimes beaten, and sometimes even killed just for sharing the truth about Jesus. At first, Paul (who was called Saul at the time) was one of the persecutors and then after his conversion he experienced his share of persecution for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and preaching in His name.
But, there is something that can be even more challenging than suffering and dying for Jesus and that is living for Him. And what is so challenging about living for Jesus? It is natural for us to want to live for ourselves. In fact, the Apostle Paul points out in the fifth chapter of Ephesians that everyone cherishes their own flesh. In other words, to the natural man, our most favorite person in the world is our self!
When you consider Jesus’ ministry you see the perfect example of living to impart; He was always giving of Himself, sharing Himself with others. Jesus had no need to come down to earth and take the form of a man, it was not for His sake but for ours. So, as you follow His ministry (and His example) you find a life that is “given over” to others for their sake. Jesus’ ministry was not merely telling people what they needed to hear, He invested His life in their lives. He took time to listen and to help them find the way out of the darkness into the light. He felt their pain and was willing to pursue them. He didn’t just give them the Gospel, He gave them Himself. He could have sent salvation remotely but instead He willingly brought it to us by way of His life, His death and ultimately His victory over death!
It might seem much easier and less time-consuming to send the Gospel to someone who needs to be saved or needs direction or encouragement. But, it could be that the Lord is calling you to impart not only the Word of God but also your own life — to share part of your life for the sake of another. That is, after all, Jesus’ definition of love; laying down one’s life for a friend. Often times, Jesus was found with (and even criticized for being around) people that everyone else considered either a sinner or in some way insignificant.
You are called to impart, not just the Word of God, but yourself as well. It is easy to see this truth revealed in the case of a parent with their children, for, in becoming a parent, your life is no longer your own! The same is true spiritually; you are called to lay down your life for others, to give of yourself as Jesus demonstrated. It is not a matter of giving your life away; it is rather laying up treasure in heaven!
It is easy to find messages that tell you everything God will do for you and give you and everything that you should be doing for yourself, but the Lord has more for you than just living for yourself. If Jesus had only (or ever) just thought of what would please Him more, He certainly would not have shared Himself with us. He came to impart – follow His lead!
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