This warm and personal epistle encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and to grow in sanctification. It gives us a model for relational ministry as Paul describes the way he worked with and nurtured the Thessalonians, and it exemplifies the kind of personal concern we should adopt for those we have been privileged to serve. This letter also contains critical insights on the coming of the Lord for His saints and the nature of “the day of the Lord.”
Paul begins this epistle of personal reflection, exhortation, encouragement, and instruction by giving thanks in light of the report he had received from Timothy about their work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by hope in Christ (1:1-3). He rejoices that their faith has inspired all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1:4-10).
READING of 1 THESSALONIANS 1
Prayer:
Lord, You have called me to serve You, the living and true God, and to wait for Your Son from heaven, whom You raised from the dead, and who rescues us from the wrath to come.
Meditation passage for today: verses 3-5, 9-10
