STRENGTH WITH LOVE

1 Thessalonians 3:8-13

For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:8-13

What is it that Paul gives thanks for, and what is it that he prays for, and how can we learn from his example? First, he gives thanks for the Thessalonians' faith. That is what he is most encouraged by. He is in distress. He is in difficulty. There is emotional pressure and opposition and internal turmoil. There is a lot going on that makes Paul feel badly. And what is more, he is also being persecuted. There are actual physical dangers that he faces.

So, what do you give thanks for in that kind of intense situation? That you are stil alive? That things could be worse? That you are still surviving? What Paul is grateful for is the faith of other Christians. That is what he gives thanks for; that is what encourages him. Why? Because if other Christians have faith, then they are going to stand firm in the Lord. This is his goal, his objective, his ambition, that people would come to faith in Jesus, stand firm in that faith, and if they do, he has great joy in the presence of God. Think of it, focus upon it.

The faith through which we can receive the blessings of God. When you see other Christians standing firm by faith, rejoice. God is at work. You may be in distress. You may be facing persecution and difficulties. But there is someone who you have helped and given the gospel to, and they are standing firm by faith. What a matter about which to rejoice. The second thing is that Paul prays he may provide what is still lacking in their faith. Yes, they have faith. That is good. It is a matter of rejoicing. But they still lack much. And so "night and day" he prays that he may be able to see them again and provide what is still lacking in their faith. There are things they do not understand. They still need more training about what it means to trust God.

And so, Paul prays he might see them again so he can provide them with what is lacking in their faith. And then he prays for those parts of their faith that, presumably, still need strengthening. He prays that their love would grow and increase. He prays that their hearts would be strengthened, so they will be blameless when Jesus returns. He wants them to grow in love and in holiness.

Brothers and sisters, let our lives be a living example like Thessalonian believers in this broken world. Let our love for Jesus, our faith in Jesus be spread from here to all over the world like Thessalonian believers. Let us be the light in the mountain, where everyone can see. Let our genuine faith produce many fruits. Let our genuine love lead to action. Let our lives be a source of encouragement and source of joy to all people around us. And, let our lives be holy and blameless before God, till we meet Christ!!!

Father thank You for this day and we praise and thank You for the great encouragement, strength, and instruction we receive in these verses. Lord, open the storehouses of Your abundant blessings and rain them down upon my friends and family today. Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word. Lord, we pray that You would teach us through Your Word, and train us how to grow in grace, to live by faith, and to pray in the Spirit. Lord, help us to stand firm in the faith, and may our hearts continue to be established in the truth of the gospel of Christ so that we may stand blameless before You in holiness and virtue. Lord, use my friends to be a bold witness of Your mercy and grace to all today.

Father, we love You. Amen.