Cann----ot Be Silent

Thursday, February 9, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: 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,

Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Readings: LEVITICUS 6-7 MATTHEW 25:1-30

Cannot be Silent

Paul was bound to do it. He was bound to thank God for his brothers and sisters in Christ.

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

Why? It was something he had to do.

Paul loved the Lord's work. He loved the kingdom of God. He had worked endlessly month after month with these folks and prayed for them always. There were two things:1) their faith was growing greatly;2) their love for each other was flourishing.

Paul wrote this letter from a long distance. He knew their reputation from others in the Lord's work who wrote him and those who visited with news as they traveled. The Thessalonians were well known for their faith and love.

Was that their goal? Was it the goal of a group to be known for their faith and love. No. They were honestly seeking the kingdom.

They just loved and worked. They did it all under constant danger from the government and mob violence. Some could not find jobs so just 'getting by' was a struggle. But God took care of them and they trusted Him through it all.

They had points of weakness, surely, but listened to Paul as he encouraged them.

Faith, love, encouragement-in the midst of great trials, victories, pain, and hardship-and peace-this is a picture of the abundant life that Jesus gives.

Abundant life is abundant in a lot of things so we must always focus on God's sustaining power and peace in the midst of abundant trials. This deepens our faith and grows our love for the family of God as we encourage and receive encouragement.

But being obligated morally(compeled, bound) to encourage-what is that? Another passage puts it like this:2 Corinthians 5:14-15

14 The love of Christ compels us, because we know that one person died for everyone. So all have died. 15 He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him.

The love of God compels. This pressure is not outside pushing down on us but inside breaking out-bursting forth-lifting us up to encourage the family of God.

Paul could not hold it in. He was so proud of these people. He was so excited about their faith in Christ and love for each other that he could not be silent.

If our lives are lived like this-if we really love God and each other, we bring Him good pleasure...

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Help me to trust You for the power to love-really love those in Your Family around me. Help me encourage with words and action. I must live in Your power.

Encouraging and loving God!!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen