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Day 2 1 Thessalonians 2 1 Thessalonians 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you who believe: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you who believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy. How many times do you plan to see someone you enjoy being with, but something always prevents you? How often do you get a letter from someone you miss because the miles between you is great? When you receive a letter or phone call, it puts a smile on your face and lifts your heart. Paul longed to go to Thessalonica, but Satan prevented him from going to them in person. Therefore, he sent them a letter of encouragement to build up their faith and let them know how much he desired to be with them in person. As Christians, you are to build up the body of Christ, letting them know you are thinking of them, praying for them, and want to be with them in person. Encourage each other as Paul did the church, and continues to encourage as he brought a message of hope and love that transcends time, encouraging Christians today. Paul told the church they were his crown of rejoicing, his glory and joy. When you are with fellow believers, the same emotions should transpire between you, filling you with joy in your common faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s pray: Father, fill me with Your joy. Help me encourage the body of Christ when I can’t be with them, as Paul did the churches. Let me show Your love to everyone I meet. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 5 May 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay