Growing Faith, Increasing Love

Daily Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1-2

Scripture Focus: We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1.3)

Devotional Thought: It amazes me that people think they can be a part of the Church without forming loving friendships with individuals in the Church.  I see it often.  Christians who don’t make the effort to get involved in the lives of others, are prone to leave the fellowship of the local church.  When the excitement of this program or that pastor wears off, then there is nothing holding them to that particular congregation.  American Christian culture is always on the prowl for the next new, exciting, or emerging thing.  Sadly, some Christians adopt the “fickle fan” approach to the local church.  As long as the team is winning, they are excited and cheering.  But let the excitement wear down and they are off to find something else to cheer for.

In his thanksgiving for the Thessalonians, Paul shows that there is a better way.  He knew that when genuine Christian faith is growing, then love is on the increase, too.  And not just love in a philosophical sense, detached from real people, but rather love expressed in day-to-day living.  It’s easy to love the concept of the Church, but that doesn’t do anybody any good.  Genuine faith gives us love for the people – unlovable as they may  be at times! – of the Church.  Paul saw that in the Thessalonians, and he felt great joy.

How about you?  Is your faith growing?  Are you seeing an increase in love for and relationship with fellow Christians?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your Church: not just the abstract concept - but the real-live people who are my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Help me to love them enough to change my behavior toward them.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 31.19-24

19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

20 In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.

22 I had said in my alarm, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.

24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!