There's Hope For TodaySample

When faith grows, and love abounds, the environment is ripe for great spiritual progress. It is obvious that God blessed the Thessalonian church. The language implies a human element also. For anything to grow it must be exercised. Every body builder knows the mantra, “no pain – no gain.”

A study of the Thessalonian church reveals real pain and struggle. They endured trial. They were being forged in the fires of persecution. They knew what it was to face great adversity, but in the heart of the storm they were packing on spiritual muscle. They stood firm, and God made them stronger. Their love was abounding as their faith was growing.

To abound is to thrive; to break the barriers; to spread rapidly. How can love abound? It only happens by design. Abounding love is not an accidental convergence of amiable personalities. Abounding love flows out of right choices. The Thessalonians had decided to reach beyond their church cell. They had decided to bear persecution with love, rather than resentment. They didn’t let trial push them apart; they pulled together. This filled Paul’s heart with thanks.

Today, let your faith grow by exercising it. Let your love abound to all around.