Two-minute read.
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Paul feels obligated to thank God for the work Christ did and continues to do in the lives of his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. As the apostle sees the church growing in maturity and faith, he feels compelled to praise the Lord. Paul witnesses their increasing faith and love for each other, which symbolizes the transformational power of Jesus. Change happens when we start living for the Savior instead of ourselves.
Emotional responses can wreak havoc in my life. I respond differently by submitting my feelings to the Lord, letting Him transform me one incident at a time, one day at a time. Only by giving Jesus full access to our hearts and minds can we begin to grow and mature, leaving childish behavior behind and embracing the mindset of Christ. And as we see the Lord transforming other people’s lives, we should praise Him for His work.
I often have difficulty giving people the necessary space to grow. We can’t save; we can only support, answer questions, encourage people on the journey, and applaud them for their efforts to transform. Submitting our will to God’s will requires a decision that causes action. Faith steps mean trusting the Lord will bless our efforts as we move forward, doing what He wants instead of what we want. The more steps we take, the more transformation will occur, and the more praises we will give God. Thank the Lord for our brothers and sisters in Christ, who, with us, allow Him to provide us with new life.
Praise:
Praise God for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us a spiritual family that grows and matures with us. Please help us support and encourage each other well, allowing You to transform our lives as we wholeheartedly pursue You.
IJNIP. Amen
