How can you actively share "good news" to uplift your church community? Good News in 1 Thessalonians 3:6 “But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us good news about your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly and long to see us just as we long to see you” (1 Thessalonians 3:6). Why This Moment Matters • Paul, Silas, and Timothy were under pressure, yet one simple report lifted their spirits. • The “good news” wasn’t statistics or programs; it was evidence of living faith and active love. • Genuine updates about God’s work among believers still recharge a church family today. What Counts as Good News Worth Sharing • A fresh salvation testimony (Acts 2:41). • Progress in holiness—small victories over sin (Philippians 1:6). • Acts of sacrificial love within the body (Galatians 6:9–10). • Faithfulness in hardship (James 1:12). • Reconciled relationships (Ephesians 4:32). • New opportunities for ministry or missions (Romans 15:20). Four Practical Ways to Actively Spread That News 1. Speak it often • After worship, linger and tell someone how God answered prayer this week. • Work Paul’s pattern into everyday talk: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). 2. Write it down • Send brief texts, emails, or handwritten notes echoing Timothy’s report: “I see your faith and love.” • Post testimonies on church communication channels; keep them Christ-centered, not self-centered. 3. Visit purposefully • Schedule coffee or doorstep visits with shut-ins, relaying how the congregation is thriving (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Bring along Scripture on a card—Isa 52:7 or Psalm 96:2—to read aloud together. 4. Gather stories publicly • Dedicate moments in services or small groups for members to share current faith stories. • Encourage brevity and clarity so multiple voices can be heard (1 Corinthians 14:26, 40). Creating a Culture Where Good News Flows Freely • Model transparency—leaders go first (1 Peter 5:3). • Celebrate, don’t compare; rejoice when another’s faith is praised (Romans 12:15). • Keep records of answered prayer on a shared board or digital feed. • Pair every report with thanksgiving to God so glory stays where it belongs (Psalm 115:1). • Respond quickly: when you hear uplifting news, pass it on within 24 hours, just as Timothy did. Scripture Reminders That Fuel the Practice • Romans 10:15 — “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” • Hebrews 3:13 — “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today.” • Proverbs 25:25 — “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” • 2 Corinthians 13:11 — “Encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.” • Mark 5:19 — “Tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” Living It Out This Week • Identify one fresh work of God you’ve witnessed. • Choose a person or group in your church who needs uplift. • Share the story verbally or in writing before the week ends. • Watch how the Spirit multiplies encouragement—just as Timothy’s brief report revived an apostle’s heart, your good news can strengthen an entire congregation. |
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