Read the Book: April - JuneSample

Week 20

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

Our Standing In Christ

One of the great habits that a follower of Christ must cultivate is the habit of continual gratefulness of God’s grace in the lives of others. Without this habit we can sink into self-pity, envy, jealousy, bitterness, and exhausting competitiveness. But we have been freed from this tyranny through the good news of Jesus and take pleasure in His work in and through all the members of His Body, the church.

This is the heartbeat of Paul when he wrote to believers in Thessalonica nearly 2,000 years ago. After warning them of events that will surely test their resolve, Paul encourages them by saying that he “always” gives thanks to God for them. He even uses the gifts of the gospel as ammunition for his gratefulness! He reminds them that they are “beloved” of God, saved by God’s sovereign grace, receivers of God’s Spirit, and will eventually see the very glory of Jesus Christ. 

What a reminder to us to first view our brothers and sisters and Christ through their standing in Christ instead of personality, appearance, or abilities. It’s important for us to remember that we each come with our own backgrounds and stories that God is using to shape who we are, and that our sanctification—or the process of becoming more like Christ—is a process. But at every moment in that process, we have one identity that we can count on: being a child of God, made in His image, and treasured masterpieces. How will this shape the way you think of yourself and others this week?


Family Connection: Leave out a piece of bread on the counter this week! Check on the bread a few days later and talk about how it changed. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 as a family. The Bible tells us to not get tired of doing good! Just like the bread, when we sit around and don’t share the love Jesus has given to us with others, we can grow “moldy” too. What is one way you can share the love of Jesus with someone this week?