Today’s Reading | 2 Thessalonians 1
Reason for Praise
If your friends were to talk about your life, what would they say? Would hearing what they say encourage or discourage you? Could your parents or friends say what Paul said about the Thessalonians in this first chapter? Paul first mentioned that he had noticed that their faith was growing more and more. Is your faith stronger today than it was at the beginning of this school year? Paul could see that their love for each other was also growing. Can you point to signs during this past year that show your love for others has also grown? Finally, Paul said that they were demonstrating perseverance and faith in the midst of persecution and trials. They hung in there and did not give up even when the going got tough. As you look back over the year so far, do you think this could be said about you? Have you demonstrated perseverance and faith in the midst of persecution and trials? As you look back over this year, can you see that your faith and your love for others is the same as it was when the year started? In what ways do you see it growing? Are you strong enough to persevere in hard times? What would it take to improve?
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What part of your life demonstrates that your faith is growing?
So What?
What qualities demonstrate that your love for others is growing?
Now What?
What shows that you persevere in faith in persecution and trials?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?