In this daily Bible reading Paul commends the Thessalonian Church for persevering in their Faith in Jesus Christ. They persevered in the midst of persecutions and afflictions. Paul said that true believers must endure persecutions and afflictions to be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God. This endurance provides evidence of their Faith.
Obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ means to actively obey Jesus, who is the living Word of God. Living according to the Word of God will sometimes result in hardships. However, it will result in tremendous blessings. The person who believes in Jesus Christ will have a rich and full life. Their life will be characterized by ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ Persecutions and afflictions will not remove these blessings.
Paul’s letter to the Roman Church said, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. To the Jew first and also to the Greek For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith. As it is written, ‘for the righteous man shall live by Faith.’” God places great value in our Faith evidenced by good works. In fact, our true Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to gain entry into Heaven.
