1 Thessalonians 3

Bible Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3

Just a short sharing today.

During Tuesday sermon, Pr CAQ shared how concerned Paul was about the Thessolonian church. In yesterday’s chapter Paul explained how he wanted to be with the Thessalonians in their time of trial. As he could not be there for them he sent Timothy, his trusted worker to them. Timothy will help them endure their hardship.

Are we facing any afflictions now?

Compared to churches from other countries, the Singapore church hardly faces any hardships. We are not persecuted for coming to church for services. We have a resident preacher and a group of ministers for every church to pastor the flock. We have excellent facilities and classes in church.

Hence we need to thank God that Singapore churches are so blessed, and not take our church services for granted.

Paul also encouraged the church not to be shaken by their afflictions. On Tuesday, Pr CAQ mentioned that when Jesus was crucified He wore a crown of thorns, not a laurel of posies. If we deeply understand that Christians have to suffer together with Christ, and trust that God will strengthen and guide us through our hardships, we will emerge victorious in Jesus.

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you (v12)”

Once again we are reminded not only to love one another, but to increase and abound in love for each other. Abound means to exist in abundance, to overflow, to be plentiful. This word reminds me of the hymn “His Grace Aboundeth More”. God’s grace to us is more than sufficient, shouldn’t we emulate Him to abound in love too?

Love is an essential mark of our faith. With the year end Spiritual meeting around the corner, let us encourage those we love but have stopped attending services to gather together to worship our God.

May God guide us to be blameless and holy in His sight.