August 28 2023
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
From 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8-10, NRSV
The early church communities would have received very little direct instruction from the apostles and so these letters were not just a means of keeping in touch but of continuing the teaching, guidance and support that the people needed. This, the first of Paul’s letters, offered much encouragement to the early church in Thessalonika. Paul praised them for their faith and for how they were putting their faith into action through the care they gave to one another. He reminded them of how they had broken with idolatry when they were converted and told them that news of their conversion had spread far and wide. This community had clearly taken to heart all that they had been taught and Paul was clearly keen to recognise their efforts.
- How do you suppose the people of Thessalonika felt at hearing these words?
- Thinking of your own faith community, what are the good things to be recognised and praised?
Offer recognition and encouragement to those you encounter today.
