And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

My dad gave me a great gift growing up—he taught me how to work hard, be honest, and live with integrity. It has carried me throughout my life and helped me be a blessing to many.

Some people I’ve observed in life seem to disdain hard work. They prefer shortcuts, complain about the tasks before them, or avoid work altogether.

When I think about the gift the disciples gave the Thessalonians, it reminds me of the same kind of gift. The Bible gives us hard commands to follow. Its truth is piercing—it cuts deep into our hearts. It doesn’t lead us toward comfort but toward spiritual transformation. The Thessalonians received this good but challenging gift, much like the work my dad gave me, and they embraced it.

They studied the truth and committed themselves to live it out. They allowed God’s Word to change them—and it did. Like a scalpel, God’s Word is his tool to do surgery on our souls, shaping our thoughts, motives, and lives. It is deeply fulfilling as a mentor to see those you’re teaching not only receive the principles taught to them, but run with them.

Lord, thank you for your Word. Help me to receive it well and to live by it. Do your heart work in me, I pray!