Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12.
In the first four verses, the author introduces us to a church that seems to be thriving despite any number of forces working against it. It would seem there are three keys to this: growing in the faith, loving one another, and remembering why they are doing what they are doing. Their works of faith are not rooted in building a bigger church or making themselves look like superstars. Instead, it is about faithfully serving God and each other. It is about glorifying God and not themselves. It is about individuals responding to the grace given in Jesus and understanding that their gratitude is best expressed in the way they love each other and the way they love the world beyond their community of faith.
In what ways does your community of faith resemble the one described in this letter? Where does it miss the mark? What is an example of one way your church is more concerned with glorifying God and less with what the outside world thinks?
Today, offer a prayer of thanks for your community of faith and for specific signs of God-centered love.