Thankfulness

2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,” (NKJV)

Today's passage of scripture reveals three (3) wonderful Biblical principles that Paul declares as he writes this letter to the church in Thessalonica. 

1) He boldly declares that he is thankful for his brothers and sisters in Christ!! This thankfulness is not just a once in a while attitude but it is something that is in and on his heart on a continual basis. This local community of believers have made a difference in his life and he is expressing his thankfulness for the role that this congregation has played in his life. I was reminded of the number of people that have made a difference in our lives through the years of our journey of life on Earth. I took a moment and thanked God for those special people who took the time and continue to take the time to invest in our lives through their friendship, love, support and encouragement. I encourage you to thank God for these individuals today and you may even feel led to contact them in some manner and thank them for the difference that they have made in your life. 

2) Paul recognized the fact that their "faith was growing exceedingly." It is a blessing to see the spiritual development of the relationship of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We look back and remember our time as well as their time in the "spiritual nursery" and now we see their faith growing (flourishing) and maturing. I believe that Paul was thankful and appreciative of the fact that these brothers and sisters in Christ were not content to remain "babes in Christ" but they were determined to pursue a developing, maturing, growing relationship with Jesus Christ!! Is that your (my) desire today or have I (we) grown content with the spiritual status quo?

3) Paul also recognized the fact that the love for one another was more than mere words but their words have taken on action and their action of love was being lived out on a daily basis. Oh the joy and peace that comes from walking into a local community of believers where love abounds and where genuine care and concern is evident on a daily basis. Paul identified this activity of love as "continually increasing" (NLT). This love was more than "window dressing" and it was more than a "performance." It was genuine and it flowed from hearts that was connected with the Love of God and the Love of God was being practiced on a daily basis toward one another. Let us continue to love one another so that the world can identify us as a genuine and sincere follower of Jesus Christ!!!