I Thessalonians 1-3

“For now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord” (3:8).  Paul rejoiced that the Thessalonian believers were firm in their faith.  His ministry to them was personal, filled with gentleness and sincerity, “as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children” (2:7).  He, Silvanus and Timothy didn’t preach and teach as judgmental outsiders, but as loving friends or nurturing parents.  In turn, the new believers reproduced this attitude in their own “work of faith and labor of love” (1:2).

“The word of the Lord has sounded forth from you” (1:8).  Filled with love and joy, the Thessalonian believers were already sharing the story with others.