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A Shining Example
John Tilton1 Thessalonians 1:6-8You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.
Paul understandably is blessed by the Thessalonians for their welcoming reception of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and more so their commitment and dedication in times of suffering with a joyful response. The Thessalonians understood their relationships with Christ and the power of perseverance in joy through the Holy Spirit.
Thus, they modeled and exampled that power, persistence and long-suffering for others. Furthermore, it became a witness to other afar and everywhere.
What an encouraging passage as I/we face challenging times in our lives, that we have the power to persevere through the Holy Spirit but that we also can be an example and model for others in our long-suffering with joy. It really is a sense of one’s frame of mind to know our roots and faith in Christ to mindfully overcome challenge and suffering. I love the saying that much more is caught then taught. I am blessed to know that as I persevere through challenging times that I may have the opportunity to be a witness to others.
Dear Lord, you are indeed so faithful. Thank you for empowering us as believers to find the strength and intentionality to persevere through tough times and that we will also encourage others to do the same.
