What do you wish you could say to someone today? Sometimes our interactions with others are interrupted. Afterward, we learn they misunderstood our words or our intentions. Paul knew how we feel. He had to leave Thessalonica in a hurry. It reminds me of the bull-rider I saw this weekend who jumped just in time for the bull to get under his feet and send him sailing over the fence. Opponents chased Paul and his companions out of town.
Paul prayed for the Thessalonians and then he wrote to them. Who were these new believers in Thessalonica? Paul notices three characteristics about them: First, their faith produced work. Real faith always does. Second, their love led them to labor for God. Third, their hope inspired them to endure.
These characteristics come to us as good gifts from the Holy Spirit. Christians don't just espouse words. We live with deep conviction, imitating the Lord. Sooner or later Christ helps us to exemplify his life. Our faith becomes audible. Our love becomes credible. Our hope becomes tangible. Where else do we see these words? 1 Corinthians 13 says, "Now abide faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love."
