Four starving lepers, in quarantine outside Jerusalem, decided to surrender to the enemy soldiers who were besieging the city (2 Ki. 7:3-4). But they found the Syrian camp empty of men and full of provisions, evidence of a terror-stricken flight. They ate to their fill and stashed away gold, silver, and clothing. But then feelings of guilt mixed with fear of punishment moved them to share the good news with the hungry people in Jerusalem.

Sharing helpful and encouraging information is something in which we usually find delight. We enjoy telling a person who is ill about a doctor who successfully treated us for the same ailment. We eagerly let others know about a mechanic we have found who is skilled and honest. Many of us, though, are less eager to share the best news in all the world with others--that Christ can satisfy their spiritual hunger. But Jesus commanded us to do so (Mt. 28:19; Acts 1:8), and He will hold us accountable for our obedience to Him when we stand before Him (2 Cor. 5:10).

Although your first motivation to tell the good news may be one of obligation, you'll soon discover the joy of sharing the gospel out of a heart of love.  — Herbert Vander Lugt