Giving Thanks for the Faithfull

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Inspires Gratitude

2 Thessalonians 1:1-7

The Message

1 ^1-2 I, Paul, together with Silas and Timothy, greet the church of the Thessalonian Christians in the name of God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you’re to be.

Justice Is on the Way

^3-4 You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.

^5-10 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you.

For Reflection

From the beginning, Christians were persecuted; sometimes harshly, sometimes subtly.  What was true then is still true today.  Christians, all over the world, are suffering because of their faith.  Because of God's extraordinary love, you and I love extraordinarily.  In the midst of our enemies we pray for them.  Hate is obliterated in us.  We are, above all, unconventional.  Because of us, the faithful, God's kingdom will reign.

Pray

That you will thank God often and earnestly for the things He has done.  Pray for those who do not know God.  Pray that they will find in God the path to salvation that He offers to all.  Pray that you will love extraordinarily.