Thanksgiving

As Paul commences his first letter to the Thessalonians, his words of encouragement and exhortation to the church there as they sought to be a witness to the people around them are just as much God speaking to us today. He begins by giving thanks for their faith that leads to work, their love that is central to their labour and their hope in Jesus which gives endurance. He then encourages them to truly know who they are - that they are loved by God and chosen by Him. He helps them to understand that the power of the Spirit is at work in them to change hearts, minds and lives - producing fruit and releasing gifts. Under the leading of the Spirit, he describes their response to the gospel as being an example to all those around them - those who know Christ and to those who are yet to turn to Him. We too are called to live out such a response to the gospel.