Although God does not cause the suffering of believers, he does allow us to face some challenges in this fallen world in order to grow us in his righteousness. Christ suffered and in Christ’s love we will endure a measure of our own difficulties and persecution. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18-19). Our ability to persevere in spite of suffering is the evidence of our faith, love, and hope in God. In the midst of our suffering, will others in this world see Jesus in us?
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is exhorting the church in Thessalonica and commending them for their spiritual growth in the midst of the challenges they have been facing. He wants them to know they did not accomplish this growth in their own strength. Instead, Paul encourages God’s people to be filled with a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, because the power of God had accomplished this growth in them by grace alone.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 NLT Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Encouragement during Persecution
3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank you for helping us grow in faith and love. We know you love us no matter what difficulties life may bring. So, we come boldly to your throne of grace, ask for mercy, and reach for your strength to press on. May we honor your name today, Lord, in all we say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.