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For this reason, brothers, despite all our personal distress and persecution,1 we have been greatly encouraged by your own faith.
| 1 | Our personal distress and persecution: Just as the Thessalonians are oppressed under persecution, so also are Paul and his companions. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 1 Thessalonians 3:7 as the theme verse of chapter three – Firm Hearts. Timothy has reported back to Paul and the news is good regarding the Thessalonians’ faith and endurance under oppression. [1-5] Paul has been greatly encouraged and comforted by the faithful example of these disciples. [6-10] Paul prays that he can revisit them. He also hopes that these disciples “increase and abound in compassionate affection for one another.” This will result in their being “without any blame in holiness in the presence of our God” when Christ returns. [11-13]
May Abba our Father bless those who remain steadfast until Christ returns.
[17 July 2002]
