April 15. 1 Thessalonians 3. Nicholas Persing

Bringing Good News About Your Faith and Love

In Thessalonians 3 we see that Paul suffered persecution that kept him away from the Thessalonians. He is distraught that he is unable to help the people he cares so deeply for. Timothy is sent to help and bring Paul good news on the faith of the Thessalonians. Paul was very frightened that his separation from them would cause the Thessalonians to drift from the faith. Timothy informed him that the Thessalonians had not left the faith and remain steadfast in the faith and love of the Lord.

This teaches us to remember those who brought us into God’s love and those who helped us remain steadfast in our faith in him. We should remember to thank those people for they have done God’s work and through them, we are able to know his love for us. We should also consider the following questions. If the people who helped us in our faith saw us today, would they say we are still in God’s faith and love? Or would they be sad that we have fallen away? We should strive to be good news for these people. Other questions to consider are: who have I introduced the faith to? Who have I helped to grow in the faith? When we read this passage, we can see how much Paul cares for those he has shared his faith with. Do we love others as deeply as Paul did?

Take time today to pray for those who God has allowed you to encourage. Pray for the strength and compassion to encourage others in the faith. Ask God how you can be more of an encouragement to others.  Ask God how you can be good news to those who encouraged you.