1 Thessalonians 1:5

New King James Version

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake [Emphasis added].

For Encouragement

A selfish life is devoid of love and denies God’s love and saving grace. For, saving grace flows out of the love of God for the salvation of souls from the throes of sin and death (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). It is, therefore, impossible to make a case for anyone who claims saving grace but disregards the interest of others in the way they live (Philippians 2:3-4). As Tim Shenton says in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians, “A Christian’s heart must be filled with a self-denying and sacrificial love for God and others (agape)” (1 Thessalonians 1:1:3).

Jesus, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated a life of self-denying and sacrificial love that Christians should aspire to replicate. His life serves as a powerful model for Christian living, sparking in us a fervent desire to walk in His selfless footsteps (Philippians 2: 5-11).

Paul did not just present Jesus’s example for us to follow and then move on. He lived it in every place he visited. As he praised his beloved church at Thessalonica, Paul reminded them of how they, Paul, Silas, and Timothy, lived among them for their benefit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). They embodied the love of God and validated their message with self-denial and purity. They set a high standard of Christian living to serve as role models to the Thessalonians with love.

We have the example of Jesus and the apostles to guide us in living lives that uplift others in their struggles as we all walk with Christ. In humility, we should value others above ourselves by considering their interests and welfare in our decisions and deeds. This empathetic approach to Christian living is Christlike and edifying to the body of Him who died for us.

The church becomes vulnerable when we neglect the principle of being our brother and sister’s keeper. Cain forgot and killed his brother, Abel (Genesis 4:9). It is our collective duty to uphold the love of Christ that binds us together in our fellowship. Without this love, there is no unity, and everyone does what they see fit, as in the time of the judges, when there was no king in Israel (Judges 21:25).

However, we have a King to exalt by living to lift each other through love (John 13:34-35).

As we learn to exercise our rights, let’s do so not to trip others, but to strengthen them (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Let us be responsible and considerate for Christ’s sake and the Father’s glory, sacrificing whatever won’t edify others. Amen!