2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 (KJV)
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
The church in Thessalonica was heavily persecuted. The believers there had little choice but to bear it. I suppose they could have fled, but then, who would be the witness to the lost in the city?
It’s a tough truth, but a needful one. Every place needs a lighthouse.
Paul thanked God for these believers and commended them for two things:
- That your faith groweth exceedingly
- That the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth
I suggest that these are the qualities that strengthen a suffering people.
A Growing Faith
Faith is a conviction concerning truth. It is also a persuasion that builds hope. Hope is the confidence of God’s hand in our circumstances. When one knows God is at work, even in the most trying of circumstances, he is able to press on.
Faith is a conviction concerning truth. It is also a persuasion that builds hope. Hope is the confidence of God’s hand in our circumstances. When one knows God is at work, even in the most trying of circumstances, he is able to press on.
An abounding charity
Charity is selfless care of another. In times of trial, to have others who care for you, who love you and who come alongside you makes a world of difference. More impressive in this case is that every one of them suffered and yet every one of them selflessly cared for the other.
Charity is selfless care of another. In times of trial, to have others who care for you, who love you and who come alongside you makes a world of difference. More impressive in this case is that every one of them suffered and yet every one of them selflessly cared for the other.
No wonder Paul said, “We are bound to thank God.” The believers in Thessalonica had the tools needed to endure, grow and be a testimony to the glory of God in the world in which they lived.
To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 (KJV) Strength for Suffering
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