An epistle for the young Christian... and the mores aged !

"Grace and peace to you! We always give thanks to God for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers, constantly remembering your work of faith, your work of love and your patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ before our God And Father, knowing, your beloved brethren of God, your election. "1 Thessalonians 1- 1-4

The Christians of Thessalonica had probably recently come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ when Paul wrote to them. He had scarcely time to instruct them before leaving them, leaving them exposed to persecution. Worried, he wrote them the immense affection he had for them and reminded them of the signs of love he had received from them. He also renews the teachings essential to the Christian life in everyday life.

The new life received by these new converts is manifested by a great fervor, visible in all their behavior :

Their work of faith

Faith brings the proof of its reality to every true believer by concrete actions that are seen and can be evaluated. Oh, if we all had the active faith of the Thessalonians who knew the power of God and appealed to it (1 Corinthians 5: 5).

Their love work

Faith is not idle, and love is not passive! Love for others drives them to devote themselves ; They are imitators of the Lord who came to earth to serve men before giving his life as a ransom for them. In the Epistle, Paul writes : "May the Lord make you grow and abound in love to one another and to all (as we also do to you)" (1 Thessalonians 3:12). Let us ask the Lord to help us not to remain focused on ourselves and our personal interests. May he fill us with love for others, every day and under all circumstances !

Their patience of hope

These young believers had learned from Paul that the Lord would soon return. Their patience, their endurance, their firmness before the difficulties proclaimed the great hope which enabled them to overcome the obstacles placed by the pagans and the Jews. So that everyone knew that there were Christians in Thessalonica. What do you know about me in my neighborhood or at my place of work ?

Source (Please the Lord)