1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-13
1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-13
New International Version
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
1 THESSALONIANS 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
REFLECTION
As followers of Christ, we have been shown incredible mercy. Jesus stands in the gap for us, counting us worthy of salvation when, by ourselves, we could never measure up. As we live our lives every day in light of the mercy we have received, it shapes us into people of love. We learn to love others out of the overflow of love that Jesus has given us.
RESPONSE
Reflect on the relationships in your life. Consider whether you are extending to others the mercy and love that Jesus has extended to you.
Have you allowed yourself to truly receive the love that Jesus has for you? Take a moment in prayer and ask God to reveal His love to you.