1 Thessalonians 1:3-8

Jesus gave us a new command that we love others as much as we love ourselves. As we grow in love we grow in the likeness of Jesus and manifest to others the love of God for mankind. God never promised us a rose garden on earth but when we remain faithful in both the good and the bad times in our lives we show others how strong our God is and how He alone gives peace beyond human understanding in those times. God uses the adversity in our lives to shape and mold us into the image of His Son.



The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God. Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them. These Christians had experienced persecution but continued to grow in Christ. The Thessalonians’ steadfast faith not only strengthened them to withstand difficult circumstances, it also motivated them to express genuine love for others. A Christian’s faith in Christ should always culminate in true love for others. Persecution not only tests faith but reveals it and causes it to grow. Continued faith and endurance through persecutions provide a testimony for Christ, of which Paul was boasting to the other churches.

1 Thessalonians 1:3-8

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, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.