The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, 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. For what thanks can we render to GOD again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our GOD; (1Th 3:4-9)

     Paul gets personal here with his friends in the church at Thessalonica, relating his experiences and being concerned for their walk in the faith. He rejoices that Timothy brought Him good news of their strength and labour in the Lord and their prayers for him as he continued to minister and be on mission for GOD with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    We ought to, despite whatever distress comes our way, pray for one another, and support one another in the faith, that we may be strong in the face of diversity and persecution. We must support those, and walk along side them in the battle, who are fighting the good fight. We are to encourage those who are weary, who are resting or recuperating, not that they will stay in the rec center, but to get back to the fight. Finally, we cannot 'shoot the wounded' when the battle-fatigued and shell shocked come to us for help, strength, and comfort.

    We are to bear one another's burdens, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those that rejoice. We lift up one another in prayer, whether we know the battle others are facing or not, for we are  members one of another. We equip and encourage each other as we engage and enable people to enjoy Jesus Christ, who is our Head.

    He calls us to a mission of service, not to gain or keep that which He has already paid for by His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, but out of genuine love and charity for Him and others. We serve Him as we minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, that they may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. We serve Him as we love one another as He loved us,  and disciple one another in His Word. We serve Him as we take His Good News to this lost and dying world that those who hear of repentance and reconciliation with the Father may believe in Him and have life in His Name.

     For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet