With all my heart

Paul can’t help himself – he returns again to thanksgiving (2.13). Have you grasped the depth of his love and heartfelt thanks for the Thessalonians yet?

The end of chapter 2 is rich and beautiful. First, our salvation is from beginning to end the work of God who loves us (2.13). Second, that salvation is worked out in us in a partnership between the Spirit and ourselves (2.13,15). Third, the call to this glorious life with Jesus comes through the gospel (2.14). Fourth, the Christian walk is not easy, so we need God’s grace and constant encouragement (2.16).

I wonder how many times we stop there. It is all too easy for churches to be rich in words but poor in deeds (and of course the opposite). But for Paul the two go together: we must be strong in ‘every good deed and word’ (2.17). When churches get that balance right, the gospel does indeed ‘spread rapidly’ and is ‘honoured’ (3.1). Why? Because people see our actions living up to what we say.

What mission activities are you and your church involved in? How could you not only pray, but also help to ensure that those activities involve spreading and honouring the gospel?