2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Back to basics

Scripture:

2 Thessalonians 1:3
3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater
NASU


Thoughts:

In his greeting to the church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul reveals two items of the utmost importance in the life of a Christian:  a growing faith; and love for one another.  Indeed, these are so basic that it almost goes without notice as we read these opening remarks.

But these are so vital!  A growing faith reflects our relationship with God.  As Christians, this relationship is the core of our existence.  As we walk with Him, our trust in Him should be getting greater.  We should be coming to know Him better and deeper as we spend time with Him in prayer and in His word. 

And as this is occurring, a proof of it will be growth in our love for other Christians.  As we grow in our understanding of God's grace for us, we should find ourselves extending that same grace to our brethren.  As we reflect on the depth of God's love -- a love that continues to forgive our faults -- our love too, should grow.  This love is to be a defining characteristic of those who follow Christ, as He said:

John 13:35
35 " By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
NASU

Prayer:

Lord, I want to see more of both of these in my life!  Though I know I should be growing, sometimes I feel stagnant or even that I'm shrinking back. 

Help me!  I want an unshakable faith in You and compassion for others, especially my brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Please continue the work that You began in my heart the day I surrendered to You.  I submit myself to the work of Your Spirit within me.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.