FAITH WITHOUT RESERVE

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

We were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord (1 Thessalonians. 3:7b-8).

When we nurture another living thing, we give something of ourselves in each caring moment. In the last two months, I have thrown myself into tending the soil and plants, which is somewhat rare in my history. Already I am experiencing a joy at seeing a plant in my garden thrive and begin to bear fruit as anticipation grows for a great harvest.

Paul finds great joy after sacrificing for and investing love in the believers at Thessalonica when he is made aware of their growth in faith and trust in Christ. He, too, rejoices, knowing these new believers have focused without reserve on righteous living and not succumbed to the darkness and evil culture they are living in. His exuberance overflows as he shares, "For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord" (v. 8). Paul, the shepherd/gardener, sees maturing growth that will soon yield a fully matured harvest.

The principle that God displays in the mystery of creation (nurturing and tending life which results in more life) follows through in nurturing and discipling the true life of Christ in another human soul. May we know that joy of expanding faith that Paul passed along to others.

From Reflecting God 15 June 2021