It is easy to believe something when there is nothing to dispute that belief and there is no price to pay for believing it. It is easy to love people when they express love in return. But what if we are persecuted for our beliefs? What if hate is returned for love? Would we be able to hold on to our faith in those circumstances? Could our love survive persecution? The followers of Christ in the city of Thessalonica suffered severely for their faith. In spite of persecution, however, they remained strong in their faith, to the point that they became a model for other believers.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Thessalonica to encourage the believers and to correct some misunderstandings they had about the return of Christ. In spite of his letter, some problems remained. To correct these, Paul and his companions were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a second letter. It begins this way: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the
Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
In his first letter Paul called God “Father” but here he stresses that God is “our” Father. When we are going through trouble or persecution it is easy to feel a sense of isolation. By his use of the word “our” Paul reminds the believers that they are not alone. They are part of God’s family.
These people were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ. When going through such persecution it might be tempting to abandon our faith in order to obtain peace. But what is the source of grace and peace? Though we may experience trouble because of our faith in Christ, Paul reminds us that grace and peace also come from Christ and God. True peace can never be obtained by abandoning faith in Christ. In writing to another group of believers who were suffering for their faith, the Apostle Peter says, “But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Paul next gives thanks for the people to whom he writing. When we give thanks to God, it is almost always in regard to some physical blessing or because we have been healed from some sickness. In contrast to this, the Apostle Paul almost always gave thanks for spiritual things. In addition, Paul not only gave thanks for the spiritual progress which was evident in people’s lives, he considered it a duty to do so. How do we regard thanksgiving? Is it a high priority in our lives? Are we grateful for what God is doing in us and the lives of those around us? In verses 3 and 4 Paul writes, “We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds; so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.”
One of the things for which Paul gave thanks was that the faith of the believers in Thessalonica was growing. No doubt Paul was pleased by this because in chapter 3, verse 10 of his first letter he had indicated that there was something lacking in their faith.
How is it possible for someone’s faith to grow in the midst of persecution? One would expect that persecution or trouble would weaken faith. In writing about trials the Apostle Peter explains, “that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7) It is trouble and persecution which shows us the quality of our faith. They strip away all that is false and show us our true condition. By trouble and persecution our faith is refined and purified.
The second thing for which Paul gave thanks is that the believer’s love for each other was increasing. This was exactly what Paul had prayed for in his first letter. He had also instructed them to increase in love. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) There are many who claim to follow Christ, yet do not exhibit love in their lives. If there is no love, then it should be asked whether the claim to follow Christ is true.
In the same way, there are many who wear the name of Christ but bring disgrace to Him and their fellow believers. In contrast to this, the example of the believers in Thessalonica was so good that Paul could boast about it. In the same way our example should be a blessing to others. There is another important lesson in this. Paul did not boast about himself or his own accomplishments. Instead he boasted about the faithfulness and spiritual progress of the people to whom he was writing. What sort of people are we? Do we brag about who we are, what we have and what we have done? Or, do we take pride in the progress our brothers and sisters in Christ are making in their faith and love?
Not only did the believers in Thessalonica set a good example to their fellow believers, their faithfulness and fortitude also demonstrated the righteousness of God. In verse 5 Paul writes, “This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.”
Many people have the idea that God is arbitrary and capricious. In other words, His actions are determined by the emotions of the moment rather than by principle. This concept of God is wrong. He does not act according to whim. On the contrary, God is righteous. Therefore, everything He does is right. By standing firm under persecution, the followers of Christ at Thessalonica demonstrated that God’s decision to grant them salvation was right. God considered them worthy of being included in His kingdom. What about us? Would it be right for God to count us worthy to be in His kingdom? Or, do our actions show us to be unworthy?