What steps can we take to increase our faith and love like Thessalonians? The Thessalonian Benchmark “We must always thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Step 1: Anchor Yourself in the Word • Faith grows where Scripture is heard, read, and obeyed. “Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” — Romans 10:17 • The Thessalonians “accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Make daily, expectant engagement with the Bible non-negotiable. Step 2: Keep Gratitude Flowing • Paul models constant thanksgiving (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Thank God whenever you see even the smallest spark of faith or love—in yourself or others. Gratitude keeps growth in view and pride out of the way. Step 3: Embrace Trials as Faith Workouts • Their faith grew under persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4). Trials press faith from theory into practice; welcome them as opportunities to prove God’s reliability (James 1:2-4). Step 4: Stay Close to the Family of God • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds… not neglecting meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Regular fellowship supplies modeling, encouragement, and accountability. Step 5: Put Love into Action Daily • “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” — 1 John 3:18 • Practical acts—listening, giving, serving—stretch love muscles. Faith without deeds is dead (James 2:17); love without deeds is empty. Step 6: Pray for Supplied Power • Paul prays that God “will fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11). Ask God to energize both the desire and the doing. Step 7: Live in View of Christ’s Return • Hope in the Lord’s coming (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) purifies motives and loosens the grip of temporary concerns. Anticipation fuels perseverance and generosity. Step 8: Guard Sound Teaching • “Stand firm and cling to the traditions we passed on to you” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Right doctrine feeds strong faith and protects love from being hijacked by error. Step 9: Walk in the Spirit • “The fruit of the Spirit is love… faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). Yielding to the Spirit’s leading turns commandments into capabilities. Step 10: Aim to Excel Still More • “You are showing this love… but we urge you, brothers, to excel even more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). Periodically evaluate progress, set fresh goals, and refuse complacency. “That your love may abound more and more” (Philippians 1:9). Follow these steps steadily and watch faith and love rise—with thanks to God, just as in Thessalonica. |
    |