2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

“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.” vss. 16-17

Paul has so much to say to this little congregation. He wishes he could be there to give them instruction and keep them connected to the true gospel. Sometimes his letters to those early Christians were harsh and full of judgment–he felt he needed to be blunt and offer warnings–there were so many false teachers on the prowl. But he also had a pastor’s heart. He knows that the gospel was rooted in grace and based on God’s unconditional love, and he wants that good news to make a difference in the lives of his readers. More than anything he wants them to have eternal comfort and hope as they continue to fill their days with good works and words of love. None of us have a timetable for the future, but we do have a calling for the present. Each day there are deeds to be done and words to be said, and we are in charge of what we do and say. As we grow in our relationship to Jesus and come to know his will and his ways we will be conformed to him. Through the presence and work of his Spirit Jesus Christ will act  and speak through us, and blessings for all will abound. It’s the best life imaginable!

Thought for the Day: How well have I been conformed to Jesus?