I Thessalonians 3

“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials” (2). Paul wanted to know if the Thessalonicans, new believers, were staying faithful despite persecution and temptation (5). Whether Jewish or Gentile, the decision to make Jesus their Lord had turned others against them (Acts 17). Yet their “faith and love” remained strong (6), just as Paul prayed for them (6-10).

“May the Lord make your love increase ... May he strengthen your hearts ...” (12-13). We endure opposition not with hard hearts, but full of the love of Christ that makes us strong.