2022_03_28 Insight Post- Kim Feld

We begin reading Paul’s letter to the early church in Thessalonica this week. Acts 17 tells us that some Jews and many Greeks became believers and joined Paul and Silas during their brief stay in Thessalonica. But it didn’t take long until a mob fueled by jealousy was formed, resulting in Paul and Silas being sent to Berea under cover of night. Paul was forced to leave the young group of believers before he was ready, and he was concerned. So, this letter was sent to the church celebrating the incredible news that they were thriving. At the beginning of 1 Thessalonians chapter one, Paul expresses gratitude for the young believers and commends them for their faith, love, and hope: ^3“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV). As I read this verse, I stopped, considering how I measure up in these categories. Let’s break them down a little and ask ourselves these questions:

1. What is faith producing in my life? Is it changing me and how I relate and interact with others?
2. Does love prompt me to do good things for others?
3. Do I have the endurance to handle what comes my way because of my hope in Jesus?

The Holy Spirit was changing the lives of the Thessalonians, and during suffering and persecution, they were making a difference. Do others see a difference in me because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life? Faith, love, and hope are often themes we will see as we read Paul’s letters. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that these three will last forever (see 1 Corinthians 13:13). As we read through this letter, I hope you will join me in self-reflection. The Thessalonian believers lived in a culture that was very different from their newfound faith, and they were living boldly for Christ. Paul’s words have implications for us today, just as they did then. Kim Feld Executive Director of Education and Outreach