PASSION FOR SOULS - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

The passion for souls to an earnest and great concern to see sinners converted. In its border meaning, it includes getting such converts fully established in the Lord and in the fellowship of the brethren (Galatians 4:19, Hebrew 10: 25).

The text mirrors Apostle Paul`s passion for souls and, especially, his affection for the believers in Thessalonica.

Apostle Paul and his fellow laborers - Silas and Timotheus - endured hardship for the sake of the believers in Thessalonica. He said though they "had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated", they were not deterred to the point of abandoning the work. What great progress the churches of God would make if the workers, ministers, and members are like Paul and his partners! Those who would succeed in serving God must be ready to persevere even if it meant suffering.

It is to his credit and testimony of his conscience that Paul labored to win and mature new converts while maintaining an unblemished character and behavior. "Ye are witnesses and God also, how Holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe" (1 Thessa. 2:10). Our lives must be exemplary to those we lead, mentor, and mold for the Lord. As a believer, you must not be a reproach to the cause of Christ.

Like a spiritual father, Paul comforted those who were going through persecution and other forms of suffering as a result of their faith in Christ. "As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children". (1 Thessa. 2:11)

Our passion for souls will compel us to follow up and visit the believers to comfort and encourage them to continue in the faith, making them realize that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:1 to the end). Also, we must make them realize the importance of the daily feeding of the word of God, communing with Him in prayer, evangelism, and regular attendance at the church`s weekly meetings.