God Chose You

As The First Fruits

For Salvation

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the LORD, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

We are supposed to give each other help and support in our daily walks with Christ. We should uphold one another in prayer. We should provide assistance as needed, and encourage one another.

The apostle Paul did all of these things. The believers in the Thessalonian church were undergoing persecution and were troubled. He reminded them that they were chosen and still loved by God. And he encouraged them to continue trusting the Lord, and prayed for them.

A word of encouragement

can make the difference between giving up or going on.

Our Daily Bread – December 30, 2007