“Tools for Survival”

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”  (2 Thessalonians 3:5) 

As he comes to his final words of encouragement for the church at Thessalonica, the apostle records the above. He wishes to encourage these disciples with attitudes to help them to face the reality of persecution.

Though God promises to direct our hearts, it is still good to pray for God to assist us. The heart is the center of one's faith, it is the seed of feelings and actions. It must be led by God and not by self.

First, he prays they will be led into the love of God. I take this to mean the love we have for God. This love is the fulfillment of the law. This is to be the motive behind all spiritual activity. The Thessalonians already have love. Paul wants it to increase. Such love will keep us from being distracted by harmful paths that may tempt us, especially in times of duress.

The patience of Christ seems to refer to Christ’s patience. The patience of Christ would help enable the Thessalonians to endure the persecution. Christ serves as a model for such endurance.  Consider the path of the Savior who left the previous glory of heaven and came to earth. He tolerated the lashes of cruel torture and humiliation with all of his power. He resisted retaliation and even asked for the forgiveness of his torturers. With marvelous resolve endured it all.

A contemplation of his unparalleled suffering and endurance can serve as an encouragement to his followers.  “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3).  "When treated harshly by evil men, let us persevere, as Christ did."

These two attitudes will help to ensure a successful sojourn in this life. These two- a great love for God, and the patience of Christ will keep us and help us to reach the heavenly home.

George Slover

 

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