Let Them Know

Here in 1 Thess. 2:1-12, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he and his companions labored for the gospel honestly and honorably. They used extreme care not to look or sound as if they were trying to score anything. They weren’t looking for money, and they weren’t looking for glory. They loved the Thessalonians like a mother and a father love their own child, and this means they wanted the Thessalonians to receive the gospel and walk in the gospel for themselves, to taste and see that the Lord is good, to embrace their calling in His Kingdom and Glory.

In other places Paul is full of rejoicing when he hears how his congregations are doing. When he hears that churches are abounding in good works and faithfulness to the Lord, that’s what warms his heart. So the exhortation this morning is quite simple. Take the next opportunity you get to thank your parents for loving you selflessly, for teaching you about Jesus, for blessing you with the gospel. After that, think about other significant teachers or elders or pastors who have blessed you over the years, perhaps one you haven’t seen or heard from for a long time. Take the time to drop them a quick note and just let them know that you are walking with God and that you’re so thankful to be part of the kingdom. You may not realize what an encouragement and blessing that would be.