Faith and Love

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)

As Paul starts his second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he tells them that he boasts about them to other churches. What a compliment! Paul had heard good reports about the church in Thessalonica. What excited him the most? Was it, “You just built a great new church building!”? Nope. Was it, “You have the funnest events of any church!”? No. Was it, “You have the best music I’ve ever heard!”? No.

It was this: “Your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” That’s what excited Paul the most about the church in Thessalonica. That’s what led Paul to boast about those Christians to other Christian churches. “They are growing in faith and love!”

Can we admit that sometimes we forget what a church is all about? It’s so easy for churches and church members to get caught up in beautiful buildings and fun programs and entertaining music. Those things can be good, but is that what is at the heart of being a Christian church? No. It’s all about faith and love.

The Christians in Thessalonica loved hearing God’s Word. That’s where faith comes from—the Word! They loved hearing God’s Word, and it showed: Their faith was growing more and more. And as their faith in Jesus grew, so did their love for each other. That’s the way it always works. Jesus’ love for us leads us to love each other. Being a Christian church isn’t complicated. It’s all about faith and love.

Even in trials. Especially in trials! Facing persecutions and trials focused those Christians on what’s most important. They loved hearing God’s Word—they needed it! And they loved caring for each other.

Is that what your church is all about? Faith and love? It really is that simple. Wouldn’t it be great if every Christian church could be described like this: “Your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing”? That’s what being a church is all about: Faith and love.

Dear God, thank you for our church. Help every one of us to keep growing in our faith in you through your Word and to keep growing in our love for each other. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Nathan