What Really Matters
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: ~1 Thessalonians 3:7
Did you know that your faith matters to other people? Did you know that your faith is either an encouragement or discouragement to someone else? The believers at Thessalonica were very precious to Paul. They received the gospel with great joy in spite of much opposition. Paul wrote this letter to them to express how much they meant to him. He was at a place of discouragement because of persecution and setbacks. He received word on how the believers at Thessalonica were thriving. He said, “We were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith.” Five times he says, “your faith.” He was telling them, “Your faith matters!”
We see an instructed faith.
They received the Word of God as truth, the Word of God that worketh effectually. They were a people who were teachable. They received the engrafted Word which is able to save souls. An instructed faith sits under the preaching and teaching of the Word with great readiness of heart. It is a faith that has the Word of God as its chief priority. Paul rejoiced in the victories being accomplished in the lives of these believers because God’s Word was given liberty to change them. How you receive the Word of God matters!
We see an industrious faith.
Paul referred to their work of faith and labor of love. They served God, God’s messengers, and others. The work of faith is a busy faith. It takes care of the house of God. It serves widows and the fatherless. It ministers to the hurting. It takes time to listen to the problems of others. It serves the needs of all the age groups of the church. It works at being a good neighbor. It is a faith that serves and does not sit. How you put your faith to work matters!
We see an infectious faith.
Paul commended them on how well they spread the gospel. He said, “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad.” They took to heart the business of preaching the gospel and winning souls. They caught what Paul brought to them. They became a model church when it came to soulwinning. How you spread your faith matters!
We see an inspiring faith.
Paul said, “We were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” Paul was inspired by how the believers at Thessalonica endured persecution and setback. They encouraged him to keep going when he was down. Each of us must realize that we are an encouragement or discouragement to others around us. Your faith does matter to others!
Nothing we do for Jesus is ever in vain. Who does your faith matter to? Your faith matters to your family! Your faith matters to the members of the body of Christ! Your faith matters to your pastor! Your faith matters to children watching you! Yes, your faith does matter! Be a Christian who encourages others by your faith!
Have a faith-empowered God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Micah 5-7