In a world turned upside down, conflict surrounds us. In such a world, how do we overcome the fear and anxieties of life? News travels at unfathomable speeds from around the globe. Yet can we really trust all that we hear, or see? As a human being, we are driven to react, to feel, and to choose with the datasets given us. But how do we know what is truth? Even harder, how do we love as Jesus loves? Paul tells us that because God is faithful, we can be fearless in truth and love. It is His faithfulness that will sustain us, guide us, sanctify us, and give us the strength to march on with our eyes focused on Him.
We are surrounded by crowds who deny Him. Worse yet, some say they know Him, but twist the truth. Often proclaiming evil good and good evil. Then they declare us haters for loving them enough to say, no, only Jesus is the way! Yet, this is not new. It has gone on since the days of Cain and Abel. Certainly, it was the case in Thessalonica. Yet, we are called to be fearless in truth and love because God is faithful.
Admonitions of truth and love.
Paul had commended the church of Thessalonica for their faith and strength in tribulations. Being a follower of Christ in their day was not easy, nor is it today. (Particularly if we are bold enough to speak up as we should). Paul had reminded them of the truth of the rapture and the day of the Lord. Hard times would come and already were here; but our hope is not in this world. If indeed our hope is in this world, we, above all, must be pitied.
Then Paul begins to give them some instructions in how to live; because they are to be the light to the world. As Paul lists the actions that should represent a Christians life, he then ends the letter reminding them God is faithful. We are not alone in this. He is with us to complete the work He began in us. What a comfort that is. Because God is faithful, I am fearless in truth and love. I cannot do this on my own; but God can.
Actions of Truth and Love from I Thessalonians 5 (NKJV)
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this [h]epistle be read to all the [i]holy brethren.
How do we do this? We are able only Because God is Faithful.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify[g] you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
More Verses: I Am Fearless in truth and love, because God is Faithful
Now to Him who is able to keep [m]you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
25 To [n]God our Savior,
[o]Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and [p]power,
Both now and forever.
Amen. Jude
Ephesians 3:
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 8:
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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DISCLOSURES
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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