Increasing in faith and love
We always 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. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Here is a couple of good questions: Is your faith growing more and more? Is your love for other believers increasing? This is what Paul talked to the other people of God about when he mentioned the Thessalonian church. Their faith was growing, even in the middle of severe persecution. They were pressing into God and the result was that they loved each other more. I’m sure this was evident in their looking out for and encouraging each other and praying for one another. That is the way we show that we love other believers.
So we can go back to the original questions. Is our faith growing today? Are we pressing into God and His Word to walk closely with Him in all areas of our lives? Do we practice walking by faith and not by our own circumstances and feelings? Are we lining our words and actions up with the standard of God and His word? Do we love others in a way that we put the needs and care of others before our own? Are we determined to take care of other believers or do we just look out for “number one”?
So, what is the evidence of your faith growing and your love for others increasing? Well, the number one indication will be how you respond to persecution. Do you run? Do you fight or do you take it patiently? 2 Thessalonians 1:4 says So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure: The evidence of the Thessalonian’s faith and love was that they endured the persecution with patience and faith. That is a high standard and cannot be confused with wrong motivation or heart. They honored God in all their responses and continued to encourage one another.
Today I want to encourage you to step into a closer walk with the Holy Spirit in every area of your life. Begin by spending quiet time with Him each day in His Word. Talk to Him about all of the things you are facing and going through. Press into Him with humility and patience when persecutions come against you. Then reach out to other believers and encourage and love on them in their struggles. It looks like we are coming up against some rough times ahead, go ahead and get prepared for them now by surrendering all and He will take you safely through whatever come your way!
Today’s scripture reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10
The Daily Dose 