This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

The Gift of Passion

By Monica Bates

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God. —Acts 18:9-11

Passion is defined by Merriam Webster as “a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.” To be passionate about something often gives us focus—a purpose and a reason to live. Passion can be a force, driving us in a certain direction; and passion can be a strength, giving us courage to press pause in life when we need to get back on track. Passion can even move us to help the hurting or to lay down our lives for our spouses, our friends, or a cause.

For me, I’m passionate about Jesus Christ! I can’t be silent! My passion fuels me to share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. I vividly remember when I accepted the Lord at nineteen years old after experiencing the traumatic death of my mother. It was the darkest season of my life, but in it I experienced the goodness of God. He created something new in me and gave me hope. Jesus became my anchor.

In that dark season, I realized there’s no other relationship in my life that can bring me true peace, comfort, healing, and calm—it only comes from the Lord. And nothing can bring healing to a grieving heart and soul except Christ. As God began healing my heart, my passion for telling people about Jesus was born.

The passion the Apostle Paul had for the Gentiles in Acts 18 demonstrates his determination to share the love of Christ with others. Every week in the Jewish synagogue, Paul would reason and debate, trying to persuade those who were listening that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah. When no one wanted to accept the truth of what he was preaching, Paul sought out the Gentile community to share the gospel. Paul “went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized” (Acts 18:7–8). God went before Paul, and He goes before us to bring people across our paths so we can share the gospel and invite them to accept Jesus as Lord.

Paul had such a passion for Jesus, and he never let it wane. “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, ‘Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.’ So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God” (Acts 18:9–11). When some of the Jews in Achaia falsely accused Paul, the governor said, “‘I refuse to judge such matters.’ And he threw them out of the courtroom” (Acts 18:15–16). Paul used his voice to “[visit] and [strengthen] all the believers” even in difficult times, and God was with him (v.23).

Your voice is given to you by your Father to share the heart and the love of His Son, your mighty Savior. Your voice is important, and your passion for Jesus is valuable. The Holy Spirit longs to give you power for an increased passion for your family. Passion for your friends. Passion for humanity so they will no longer look to idols for comfort but look to Jesus. Ask God to increase your passion and help you use your passion and voice to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ to those all around you. You have the ability to give people a priceless gift that will change their legacies and future generations forever.

Prayer

Father, please give me a heart that is on fire for You! Since Your Word says in Jeremiah 1:9 , “I have put My words in your mouth,” I know You will give me the right words to say to share about who You are in truth and love. As I encounter those around me who need a touch from You and who need to know You are the risen Savior, I know You will lead me in the ways I should go and words I should use. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• Are you excited to tell people about your relationship with Jesus? Or are you lacking the passion you once had? Ask God to remind you when you first became passionate for Jesus and to ignite that flame again.
• If you’ve never felt excited about sharing the gospel, read Matthew 28:19–20. Ask God to give you the same passion and confidence the early Christians possessed!
• Where is God calling you to speak boldly about your faith? Identify one specific person or group you can share the love of Jesus with this week. Write their name(s) down and ask God to go before you and give you courage.

For Further Study

Acts 18; Jeremiah 1:9; John 3:16; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Peter 3:15

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?