1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

And may God Himself – also our Father – and our Lord Jesus direct our ways to you all.  And may the Lord cause you all to grow and abound by love into each other and into everything – just as we are into you all – in order to strengthen your blameless hearts in holiness in the presence of our God and Father in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His holy ones, amen.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

So far in this chapter, Paul has confessed his desire to return to Thessalonica.  He has also confessed an inability to overcome the obstacles that have been placed in his way.  As Paul completes this thought, he gives to us a great conclusion to our troubles.  Paul turns to God.  Paul turns to God and places the issue into the hands of the Lord.  After all, what better place do we have to place our troubles and concerns?

Do you give your troubles to the Lord?  How good are you at genuinely allowing the Lord to worry about the things that are out of your control and focusing upon that which is in your control?

Second Thought:

As Paul returns to the Thessalonians, he gives a great benediction.  He prays for their growth.  He prays for their unified love.  He prays for them to be strengthened and upheld as blameless.  Paul prays for the best of the Thessalonians.

Do you genuinely want the best for the people around you?  When you desire the best for people, of whom do you think?  Why is it important to consider this perspective?

Third Thought:

At the end of this chapter Paul puts life into perspective.  What matters is the coming of the Lord.  What matters is when the Lord returns and we shall stand before God.  What matters is that when the Lord should return, we would be found in Him and be found strong and healthy and mature.  What matters is that we are counted among the holy ones.

Do you share this eternal perspective with Paul?  When is it hard for you to have this perspective?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2