1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 finds Paul expressing his deep appreciation for the faith of the Thessalonians. This passage begins with a good report. Timothy returned from Thessalonica to inform Paul of their faith and love. They church not only fondly remembered Paul, they longed to see him again. They pressed forward in the faith that he had taught them.
This revelation caused Paul's spirit's to be raised. News of their continuance in the faith, renewed Paul. it lifted his spirits. It made him feel like he was "really" living, as if, he had been only barely living before.
Paul's raised spirit lead to him pray. His heart was overcome with gratitude as he thought about this church's love and faith. He longed for the Lord to make a way for him to see them, for their love to continually increase to the point of overflowing, and from their faith to be strengthened so that they would be blameless and holy before the Lord.
This passage calls us to:
- Encourage one another by expressing our gratitude to one another.
- Find ways to increase our love for one another.
- Pray for one another: to grow in grace and knowledge, to increase in love, etc.
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