Devotion:
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7.
Have you ever received a letter of praise for your faith in Christ? Over the years I’ve participated in retreats where we write notes of affirmation to others and put them in their personalized decorated bag. It always turns out to be a highlight for both the writer and the recipient as the participants read the special words of praise. Our passage today is Paul’s letter of praise to the Thessalonians. He mentions three attributes that make them a model for all the believers in Greece. He thanks God for their faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope. We read later on in this chapter the Thessalonian church “turned… from idols to serve the living and true God.” Their conversion to faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives gave them a deep conviction to change their pagan ways. Paul says they became imitators of mature Christians and of Christ. The Thessalonian church serves as a model for us today. It is good for us to seek out mature Christians who will show us through their daily living how to be a Christ follower. As a modern day church we can support each other in our journey of faith, and follow Paul’s example of encouraging each other through thanksgiving and praise. Through this pattern of modeling and praising we too can live a life where faith produces love, love produces good works, and hope produces endurance.
Personal Worship Option:
Today, while this devotion is fresh on your mind, handwrite a note, send a text, or compose an email to someone who models the Christian life for you or to someone you would like to encourage in their faith. Commit to God to model for others a life of faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope.
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