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Faith into practice: 1 Thessalonians 1 (Day 288)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 1 Thessalonians 1

It's interesting to see what Paul commends the Thessalonian church for in his opening words. It isn't for their correctness of doctrine, but for the way they 'put their faith into practice', for the way they 'work so hard' and how they 'imitated us and the Lord' (verses 3, 6). These are people who have suffered, but 'the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere' (verse 8). Their example of good behaviour and loving service is a witness to those around them.

Perhaps we don't always appreciate how Christian faith should inspire Christian conduct. In some quarters of the Church, right doctrine is prioritised. Doctrine is really important, but just believing the right things doesn't guarantee that we'll become better people. For these Thessalonians, their 'hope in our Lord Jesus Christ' has made a real difference to the way they live.

We shouldn't be too quick to judge fellow-believers who might seem, on the face of it, to be rather unlovable – bad-tempered, critical or selfish. We don't know what they might have been like without Christ in their lives – perhaps far worse. But we can examine our own hearts and see how we ourselves might be different from how we are, and intentionally concentrate on being Christ-like in our thoughts, words and deeds. One way of doing this might be to choose a good role-model – someone we admire, whose character isn't too dissimilar from ours, whom we might imitate as the Thessalonians did Paul. Our elders in the faith have much to teach us.

Pray

Pray

God, help me live in a way that's an example to others and a witness to Christ. May others see what I do and hear what I say, and be drawn to him.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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