I'm not totally sure what drew me to the Thessalonians today. There are 2 books of Thessalonians in the bible (1st and 2nd - duh), and I was just thinking how I didn't really know anything about them. So, out of curiosity (and I'm sure a bit of divine guidance) I opened the bible app on my iPhone and started reading.
I was really surprised. Paul speaks so highly of these people, not admonishing them in anything really, more just encouraging them and teaching a few things. At first it struck me funny, thinking about what they must have been like. But now, looking at all the wonderful things Paul says about this group of people it's starting to make sense. He states over and over that they genuinely love others around them. That their love continues to increase!
Then this verse - one I'm familiar with but never really knew where it was - caught my eyes.
"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
There's actually another verse with this same phrasing...
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
I guess I'm starting to see more of a connection between truly understanding the love God has for us and what His love can do through us, with the commitment to serve others around us. In our church body now, we are growing in numbers in our Sunday service, but decreasing in our numbers of people who are serving! It's truly frustrating. I cannot convince someone to give up more of their time to serve the church and the people here in McMinnville. Our pastor can't, our women's leadership can't, our youth group can't... you get the picture?
Only God can strike a persons heart to serve. And from looking at a VERY general overview of the Thessalonians, it appears that when we truly understand God's intentions, we will desire to serve and show His love more. It can be so tough to serve without "getting a break." I don't even serve as much as pastors or their wives, but I often grow weary with the few duties I've chosen to take on. Obligation can start to set in, feeling like no one else is doing anything or resentment towards those who don't participate can creep in and make me sour. But really, I should retain this confidence: if I can continue serving God and His body with the same love I would give to myself, relying on His strength to support me and His Spirit to move in others, I can continue serving despite the worst circumstances, fully trusting that I will reap a harvest one fine day.
I was really surprised. Paul speaks so highly of these people, not admonishing them in anything really, more just encouraging them and teaching a few things. At first it struck me funny, thinking about what they must have been like. But now, looking at all the wonderful things Paul says about this group of people it's starting to make sense. He states over and over that they genuinely love others around them. That their love continues to increase!
Then this verse - one I'm familiar with but never really knew where it was - caught my eyes.
"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
There's actually another verse with this same phrasing...
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
I guess I'm starting to see more of a connection between truly understanding the love God has for us and what His love can do through us, with the commitment to serve others around us. In our church body now, we are growing in numbers in our Sunday service, but decreasing in our numbers of people who are serving! It's truly frustrating. I cannot convince someone to give up more of their time to serve the church and the people here in McMinnville. Our pastor can't, our women's leadership can't, our youth group can't... you get the picture?
Only God can strike a persons heart to serve. And from looking at a VERY general overview of the Thessalonians, it appears that when we truly understand God's intentions, we will desire to serve and show His love more. It can be so tough to serve without "getting a break." I don't even serve as much as pastors or their wives, but I often grow weary with the few duties I've chosen to take on. Obligation can start to set in, feeling like no one else is doing anything or resentment towards those who don't participate can creep in and make me sour. But really, I should retain this confidence: if I can continue serving God and His body with the same love I would give to myself, relying on His strength to support me and His Spirit to move in others, I can continue serving despite the worst circumstances, fully trusting that I will reap a harvest one fine day.
