Good news spreads. Does it? No. It spreads only when it is shared.
The greatest tragedy of the church is that it is keeping the good news to itself. The primary thing is to experience the good news yourself. And then when you have tasted its joy, share it.
Four lepers walked into an enemy camp due to sheer desperation of lack of food in their own city. They go there expecting to die. And to their utmost surprise find the enemy camp deserted. They feast on whatever they can; hid some treasures too. And suddenly the realisation hits them:
“We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace (2 Kings 7:9).”
The key thought is that good news not shared is punishable. Shocked, aren’t you?
The greatest tragedy of many Christians is that they think God owes them something. Therefore God saved them. What an absolute lie that is!
Never forget that whatever greatness you may achieve in life, you are a sinner saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8). And that news is good news to be shared.
Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16).” Therefore he shared it everywhere he went. He also said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16b)!”
Yes, good news is to be shared. Anyone who has truly met Jesus and experienced his forgiving love has a great treasure to share. The shepherds who came to see the baby Jesus, after having seen him spread the word concerning what had been told about this child (Luke 2:17).
If at all you are not spreading the good news it can only be due to two reasons. One, you have not experienced Jesus. Or you have no gratitude in your heart for what God did for you on Calvary’s tree!