This morning I opened my Bible to 1 Thessalonians and while reading came across 2:7-8 which states, “…we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”

In our busy world, it is so easy to let relationships slip away, and when we do, we also let this affectionate love that is so necessary for adding strength and encouragement to others go away, too. I am reminded again and again of the command to “love one another” (John 13:34) and I see the many “things” that hinder us from honoring this most essential of commands.

I often recognize that I first must extend myself, my life, to others or else I won’t have the opportunity to share the gospel of God with them, especially among young people. In the cold and often hurtful world we live in, many keep their hearts locked behind a closed door of protection and the only key that will fit the lock is love; love demonstrated by sharing our lives.

May we take the time to love, to be gentle among those for whom we feel affection, so that we may live out the gospel message both in word and deed.