Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Peace in the Midst of Violence.
1 Thessalonians 3: 6-10

Sherly Thomas
St. Thomas MTC, New York
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you.
The book of 1st Thessalonians is a letter from Paul which provides a close look at the personal relationship Paul had with the Thessalonian Church. Paul had left Thessalonica abruptly after a rather brief stay. Recent converts from paganism were thus left with little external support in the midst of persecution. Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was to encourage the new converts in their trials and to give instruction concerning godly living.
Paul expresses his concern for Thessalonian’s faithfulness. He was fearful that Satan will take the opportunity to tempt them in their afflictions and his labor would be in vain. So Timothy was sent to establish and encourage them in their faith. Timothy’s return brought encouraging good news to Paul.
The good news to Paul was three things:
Your Faith: Right Attitude towards God. Paul was comforted knowing about their faith. He felt alive knowing of their steadfastness in the Lord. He was thankful beyond words to God for them, for the joy they brought to him.
Your Love: Right attitude towards others. Where there is faith, love follows . These two graces are always found together.  
You long to see us: Right attitude towards Paul. They had fond memories of Paul and their desire to see Paul again.
This good news brought comfort to Paul in his afflictions and distress. He was comforted knowing about their faith, he felt alive, knowing of their steadfastness in the Lord. Paul is thankful to God for them, for the joy they brought to him. Paul prayed night and day earnestly that he may soon see them and perfect what is lacking in their faith.

PRAYER

Our Heavenly Father, we thank You Lord for giving us the grace to come to You. Help us to grow in faith and pray earnestly. In Jesus precious name we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. “ 1 Thess. 5:16 -18.   

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