I Thessalonians 1-2

“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” (2:8). Paul reminded the Thessalonians that the apostles had treated them “gently” (v7), sharing their “own selves,” demonstrating with character as well as words the gospel of Christ. Paul urged the Thessalonians to embrace new behavior as a result of faith. “We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God” (v12).

The fruit of the gospel is that we begin to live “holy and righteous and blameless” lives (2:10), shining brightly in a dark world.