Thursday 6th February
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” (NIVUK)
There is a sense in Paul’s profound words that assurance is not something that can be determined internally. We can’t simply decide we are saved and be assured of that fact. We can’t just choose to be loved by God. Paul understands our assurance to be bestowed upon us by God in love and affirmed in community with one another.
The evidence of our salvation, the grounds of our assurance, are in some way external to us. It is visible to others. God’s love transforms us internally (v5) and the evidence of that love is clear for everyone to see. Paul is sure of their salvation because of what he saw in them (v3), and equally they can be sure of his because they know how he, Timothy and Silvanus lived amongst them (v5).
It is strange to think that we lose our assurance if we fail to gather together and encourage each other in prayer and good works. For the love of God within us, flowing from Jesus our Lord, sacrifices itself for others.
