Daily Devotional

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father…

Through over 46 years of ministry God has brought special people into my life and they have been a great blessing to me. The Apostle Paul thanks the Lord for the Thessalonians who were a blessing in his and other people’s lives. He tells us how they were a blessing. Let us follow their example.

The Thessalonian believers were a blessing because they had impact on the lives of others. They had a walk of faith that was seen by everyone who knew them. The Apostle Paul saw in the Thessalonians their active faith that caused them to share the gospel with everyone around them. They joined Paul in his ministry and their energetic faith produced good works.

Today God wants us to be a people who have an energetic faith. The Lord desires that our lives would be an encouragement to others to live for Him. How can we step out in a greater way in our faith to serve God and be an example to others?  

The Thessalonian believers’ love for others showed itself in acts of kindness toward Christians and the unsaved world. God’s love demonstrates itself through work. Our love for others will cause us to energetically serve them even when it is difficult and takes considerable time. We will be a blessing as we show our love through deeds of kindness. How does God want to use you today to show someone kindness?

The Thessalonian believers had a hope that kept them focused on the future return of the Lord. They realized this world is not all there is. The Thessalonian believers endured the issues of life because of their hope in the Lord. Their hope in the future return of the Lord grew even in the midst of trials and persecutions.  

Today we need to keep our focus on the hope of the Lord’s soon return. When we face difficult times, we can bless others by our hope. We will help others endure through a difficult situation, because we are encouraging them to fix their mind on the Lord’s return. When we have this mindset, we will be a blessing to others. How are you living out patiently before others, your hope in the future return of Christ?

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for Your love for us.  I want my life to be a blessing to others. Show me how to live each day that my life would reflect Your love and care of them. Amen
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