One of the best ways to encourage another person is to affirm them often. Recognize whatever good can be seen in their lives, in their secular work, or in their service for Christ. Paul did this in verses 2 & 3. He spoke warmly of the Thessalonians' faith, their love, and their hope. Then he added a phrase to each of these three words. Their faith produced work (for Christ), their labour was prompted by love, and their endurance was inspired by their hope in Christ. Those characteristics are worth imitating. Faith is more than passive belief. It turned them from idol worship and enabled them to live for Christ. Others saw this, too (vv.8-9). Has our faith done this for us and in us? When we allow the same Holy Spirit who worked in them (v.5) to work in us, the same results will occur. Faith will develop, resulting in service for Christ and He will be seen in our daily lives. Love, the same love as God's love, will be seen as we share what we have with others. Hope will be strengthened especially in the return of Jesus Christ. This will happen as we recognize Christ is alive today and He may return soon. It is the next great event on God's calendar. Then verse 7 says that they became a model to all the believers in the whole of Greece and in fact to Christians everywhere. What a commendation! What kind of a model do the people of our areas see in your church and my church? What can we do about it? REMEMBER: WE ARE THE ONLY BIBLE MANY PEOPLE EVER SEE!! |
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