Year of the Bible: Part Ten of TwelveSample

The Evidence of Faith Growing

The Thessalonian church was under persecution but also had a dynamic testimony that had grown through the persecution. Paul sought to comfort and motivate the Thessalonians with the truth of Jesus's return because some had misunderstood His second coming. This letter emphasizes having a confident expectation and the call to live ready in light of His coming.

Paul boasts about the church in Thessalonica because their faith kept growing more and more. This was evident because their love for one another was increasing; thus, they could have more perseverance in the face of all the persecution and trials they faced.

Paul mentions that when Jesus comes back, He will be glorified by His people, and everyone will marvel at all those who believed.

Faith must be evident not only in knowledge but also in our relationships. We were never meant to work out our faith on our own or even go through difficulty by ourselves; we are to live in unity with the opportunity to manifest God's love to those around us. In this, God is glorified, and He will be glorified at His coming by the way we love one another. This is all to echo what Jesus said to his disciples in John 15.

Question: Do you live your faith walk only in private, or do you share it with others?

Prayer: Ask Jesus to help you walk out your faith by loving others.