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By: Dr. Steven Pace
February 10, 2025
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NASB 95
One characteristic that comes forth from Paul is thankfulness. It does not seem to matter what the situation is, he always seems to find something to be thankful for. As Paul begins his letter to the Thessalonians, he is pictured as thankful in prayer to God for the believer’s faith, love, and hope. These qualities are often referred to as Christian virtues. A virtue is often understood to be “a particular moral excellence or a commendable quality or trait.”[1]
Paul begins the letter by expressing thanks to God for the Thessalonians. Throughout 1 Thessalonians, Paul reflects a heart for the people. In this case, the expression of thanks for them was given directly to God. Imagine reading that Paul thanked God for you when he prayed. Paul was clearly focused on others when he prayed and did this frequently.
“Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue.”[2]
The Thessalonians had three specific characteristics that stood out to Paul. First, the Thessalonian's faith in Christ was evidenced by their work. Genuine faith in Jesus will produce fruit, much like in Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:26.Second, they displayed Biblical love in their lives. Love is not always seen as emotional or a feeling but rather as an action. Love is a fruit that the Spirit produces (Galatians 5:22). Third, they lived with hope that was rooted in Jesus Christ which produced patient endurance as they awaited His return. Hope for the future and all that Christians have to look forward to brings joy in all circumstances.
“Faith rests on the past; love works in the present; hope looks to the future. ”[3]
Paul reminds us of the need to be thankful to God in our prayers on a regular basis. We also should pause and ask how these virtues are being produced in our daily lives. Is your faith evidenced in your service, in the expression of Biblical love, and in hope of the future return of Christ?
Lord, help me to be thankful for others regularly as I come to you in prayer. I also ask that you help me to reflect more of these three virtues as I await Jesus' return. Amen.
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtue.Accessed May 2024.
[2] TheSpeaker’s Quote Book. Roy Zuck, pg. 391.
[3] J.B.Lightfoot. St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon, pg. 132.
