"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another abounds" (2 Thessalonians 1:2-3)

Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is an encouragement to other believers just as the love we demonstrate towards one another brings encouragement. Paul described their love as unselfish saying: "The unselfish love each of you share for one another is increasing and overflowing!" These virtues resulted in thanksgiving to God. Paul said because of their faith and love: "We are bound bound to always give thanks to God for you." It became a personal responsibility for Paul and his partners to continually thank God for them. The excellence of the faith and love they demonstrated was in this: it was in a time of persecution and trials. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 says: "We point to you as an example of unwavering faith... We boast about how you continue to demonstrate unflinching endurance through all the persecutions and painful trials you are experiencing." Truly our love and faith are revealed in times of trials. Yet James exhorts us: "My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!" (James 1:2). And this joy always ends in thanksgiving to God! Let's keep the faith and keep on loving! Praise the Lord!

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely Received. Freely Give