Tuesday 30th September
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” (NIVUK)
Paul’s letter will range into challenging theological waters concerning the last times but he begins with prayer. He gives thanks for their growing faith amidst increasing trials.
What we pray for reveals where our hearts lie. If we pray for health and ease and family and success it reveals our hearts are concerned with things close to home. If we pray with thanksgiving for the increasing faith of those around us it indicates our hearts are bound up with amazing grace revealed in others.
Sometimes we can rest on our laurels and feel that the work is done once we believe. Paul thinks otherwise. Paul is laser-focused on the church growing in faith and love – not just growing in numbers.
When was the last time you gave thanks for the faith and love seen in others?
