Our Settlement of Accounts
(1 Thessalonians 1:2-4)
The church, as the ark of salvation and the channel of God's blessings to the world, is the body of the Lord, with our Lord Jesus Christ as its head. In the Holy Scriptures, the Thessalonian church is portrayed as a community that exemplified faith, love, and hope. It brought great joy to God and profoundly influenced the surrounding regions.

1. The account of Faith.
The Thessalonian believers, though new to the faith, exemplified an extraordinary commitment to living out their convictions (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Their radical transformation from idolatrous practices to wholehearted devotion in serving the one true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9) stands as a profound testimony to their faith. Their visible actions, borne out of such efforts, serve as an inspiring model of faith for us today. As we reflect on our spiritual journey over the past year, I pray that we may be renewed with an unwavering faith, one that is pleasing and recognizable to God.

2. The account of love.
In his letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes that he remembers and continually prays before God for their labor prompted by love (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). The term "labor" in this context signifies arduous effort, involving physical exertion. In other words, the Thessalonians not only practiced love in Christ, but they also did so without hesitation or concern for the physical toll. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ offered Himself in sacrifice on the cross, true love necessitates both sacrifice and effort. As His followers, we are called to live lives that honor God by serving our neighbors in need with selfless dedication and without hesitation.

3. The account of hope.
In a city steeped in idolatry, those who embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ faced marginalization and persecution in every area of their lives, including their homes, workplaces, and social circles. Yet, the Thessalonians persevered with endurance, inspired by their steadfast hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3c). Their endurance was rooted in their unwavering hope in the second coming of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10). This steadfast hope empowered them to overcome all obstacles and endure the trials they encountered. I earnestly pray that we, too, may fix our eyes on our true hope?Jesus Christ?and remain believers who continue to do good without growing weary or disheartened, until the day our Lord returns.