Without a doubt, the greatest gift God has given us is saving grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus. I don’t need to remind you that this freely offered gift is transformative. No one can follow Jesus and have faith in Him without being affected to the very core of who they are. There is nothing that any other worldview or religion can offer that comes remotely close to this.

I don’t know a disciple of Jesus who would not agree that becoming His follower is the greatest thing that ever happened to them—but not the easiest. Maybe they don’t have health and wealth. Maybe they will even die because of their faith. But each would say that nothing can compare with it.

However, did you know, as one who has received this gift, that you also have another great, life-changing gift? It’s the calling to go and make disciples—to bring others to saving faith by sharing the good news of Jesus. This assignment is given to everyone who follows Jesus, and it brings more joy than anything else I can think of.

This is why Paul is so thankful as he opens the second letter to the church at Thessalonica. Paul opens many of his letters reminding those whom he had the opportunity to lead to Christ how thankful he is for them. These people are why he keeps moving forward. They are why he does what he does, why he gets out of bed in the morning. The work of Christ through Paul IS his joy.

As a disciple of Jesus, we are each called to take part in the unparalleled joy of bringing the good news of Jesus to those who are lost and searching, while trusting the Holy Spirit with the results. Sometimes we get the joy of seeing how their lives change, as their faith grows and their love increases. There is nothing else like it. Let’s thank God that He wants to use us to introduce this life change and to receive the joy that comes from participating in what we were created to do.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Have you ever had the joy of making a disciple? If so, stop to give thanks for what God is doing in their lives. If not, pray that God would use you for His purposes so you too can experience the joy Paul felt.
2. Who shared the good news of Jesus with you when you were lost and searching? Do you realize that, if possible, they would also find joy in seeing your growth in faith and love?

Family Activity

Practice Makes Perfect

Have you ever shared the Gospel with someone? Making disciples sounds wonderful, but it can be a little scary, especially if you don’t know what to say. Today we’re going to practice sharing the Gospel. It doesn’t matter if you’re an adult, teenager, or kid—every believer should practice sharing the Gospel, so they are ready when they have the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.

Click Here to view a colorful guide which will help walk you through the Gospel. The pictures are an easy visual to remember the main points. Try drawing the pictures on cards as you practice sharing the Gospel as a family or put them up where you can see them often. Make sure everyone understands what each point means as you practice.

Remember, you don’t have to say everything word-for-word or recite anything perfectly, the main points are to help guide you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your conversations as you share the Gospel with others. Don’t forget that the Gospel is the good news, we are blessed to share it!