Daily Devo | Faith, Love, and Hope (New Testament in a Year, 1 Thessalonians 1)

This letter is the first and oldest we have from Paul, and it is written to a congregation filled with new believers, a church that may have been only months old! What do you say to such spiritual infants? Paul begins by sharing with them his praise and his prayers. He praises them for the faith, love, and hope that he sees in them, and he thanks God for the way their faith had become an inspiration to other believers in other churches, far and wide. While Paul will address and correct much of what they had gotten wrong, he starts by praising what they had gotten right. His example reminds us to praise people for what they are doing right rather than prioritize or fixate on what they might be doing wrong.

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For Reflection:

- Paul praises them for their faith, love, and hope (v3). What evidence of faith, love, and hope do you see in your spiritual community, and in you?

- The Thessalonians received the gospel with joy even while suffering because of it (v6). How do you typically respond when following Jesus becomes difficult? What might help you to better hold on to joy during challenging seasons?

- Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith, deepen my love, and renew my hope in Jesus so I might be an encouragement to others.