A Clay Jar

A Flourishing Faith and a Growing Love – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

The church at Thessalonica was flourishing in faith and growing in love. They were, and are, an example of what is important for a church.

This chapter makes clear the primacy and enduring nature of love. And this includes debates over doctrine. Do everything in love.

Broken people abound in the world, myself included. But I am so thankful that Jesus loves people who have failed, bring healing to us.

Ephesus had so much to be commended for. They worked hard and were doctrinally sound. But they had lost their first love. And it was serious.

True and false disciples are distinguished, not by their church activities, but by whether or not they are doing the Father’s will.

Is the church you are a part of known by your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope?

The church at Colossae was known for their faith in Christ and love for other believers. And those had sprung from their gospel hope.

While we might sometimes want to call down fire from heaven onto our enemies, following Jesus example of love is better by far.

Jesus teaching was often quite contrary to the convention wisdom of the day. And none more so that to “love your enemies and pray for them.”

What is your greatest fear? Seek the Lord’s help in overcoming it. And he will deliver you from that fear, replacing it with his peace.