I do it because of the Gospel

"And I do it because of the gospel in order to share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:23).

Jesus said there is no greater love than giving your life for your friends. And he added : "You are my friends, if you do what I command you" (John 15:14). We can love Jesus by giving our lives for the gospel. For the Gospel is Christ. That is why those who offer their time and their life for the Gospel love Jesus. It is a joy to know that we love Jesus and that our love is true since it proves itself in our actions. "But this is how God proves his love for us : while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5: 8). Christ did something to prove his love. He did not just say he loved us, but he proved what he said. Many people say that they love Jesus, but they do not prove their love. They say things with their mouths and they can do it by singing, but their actions do not prove their love for God.

Paul made concessions and efforts for the gospel. He made decisions and imposed on himself every kind of abstinence. What are we doing for the Gospel ? Can you enumerate concrete actions you are doing for the Gospel ? What do these actions bring to the Kingdom of God ? We must do everything for the gospel, and that comes at a price ! Paul will say : "Indeed, although free from all, I made myself the slave of all to win the greatest number" (1 Corinthians 9:19). Paul chose a servant life when he could have been served by others because of the anointing in his life. He could have used his call and his revelations to occupy a royal position in the church, where people would have served him. But he chose because of this gospel, although he was free to people, to "reduce" his life to that of a servant. This is a great price to pay daily. It earned him his life. He could have kept it. He did everything for the gospel, and to the end.

Jeremy Sourdril