We ought always and indeed are morally obligated [as those in debt] to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith is growing ever greater, and the [unselfish] love of each one of you toward one another is continually increasing.

Do I see people as a gift from God?

I remember one young boy who was my only friend in second grade. I was teased and made fun of for my small hand, but he was nice to me.  What a gift from God he was!

Through the years, there have been so many people that God has gifted me with, who have been faithful friends and encouragers when I really needed them. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of people in my life.

Now we know that the Thessalonians were new Christians and they had apparently been deceived by some false teaching. This situation is likely the reason Paul wrote a new letter so quickly after the first one. So it could be that they were a little harder for Paul to love at this point. He might have wondered: Why did they not simply believe me and my preaching?

So now a second question arises for me: Do I thank God for the gift of people who are harder for me to love? People who help me grow in my capacity to love and trust God?

Finally, Paul focuses on the truth of the progress of this church, even though it is under attack and they may have been deceived. He focuses on what he can be thankful for.  He focuses on 1) their growing faith, and 2) their unselfish love for each other.  And as he focused on this, he called on them to focus on it too. He is reminding them of these spiritual strengths they have as a church and he is calling them to live in this way even more.

How can I submit to God’s will in times of persecution and grow in his ways even more today?

Thank you, Lord, for this model of how to address those who are challenging.  May I see them as a gift from you and the challenges they present as an opportunity to grow in my faith and love!