We Must Love One Another

The epistles Paul wrote to the Thessalonians were both touching and educative. He mentioned that brothers and sisters loved each other in their daily lives. Paul commended them that their "love had increased greatly" (1 Thes:3), and so their work went on easily with this love. But despite this love, they had troubles. The ruling authorities at the time abhorred the gospel, and the power of the Almighty was needed because of the persecution. The brothers and sisters persevered in spite of the troubles (v4). God Himself will pay back trouble to those who give it. These troubles will continue until the Son of Man comes, when he will bring relief.

Paul went on teaching them to keep on praying. Some of them had questions about when the Son of Man would come, but Paul urged to keep on praying because the day of his coming is not known. Jesus gave us signs to look out for when he will come. People who do not listen to the truth, perish. We can be saved by listening to the truth. What then is truth? There is life in Jesus Christ. Jesus is truth (Rom 5:17; 1 John 5:12; John 3:16; 14:6).

Finally, Paul finished his letters by giving thanks and praise to the brothers and sisters of Thessalonica, who listened to the gospel and spread it throughout the surrounding area. He tells them to stand firm in support of the good news they had received (2 Thess 2:15). We look forward to receiving eternal encouragement and good hope from Jesus our Lord and God the Father.

Bro Emmanuel & Sis Caroline Joumer (Bulimbo, Kenya)