Examples

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you … for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions … This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy.”—2 Thessalonians 1:3–5 NASB

As he traveled throughout the Roman world, Paul encountered many people and situations. While sharing the Gospel, he also sought to teach what it meant to follow Jesus. His challenge was to encourage and motivate believers—even while correcting them.

We see how he praised the Christians in Thessalonica for the example they set for others. They demonstrated faith through their individual lives as well as in the overall church. They also had shown love for each other that “grows ever greater.”

They had grasped these core elements of what it meant to follow Jesus. They realized the importance of living by faith and how they were to be filled with love toward God and others.

Paul particularly was pleased by the perseverance they had shown in response to difficulties. Faced with problems, it might have been easy to give up or compromise. But the Thessalonians had endured and remained steadfast.

Paul reminded them that God knew every situation they faced. Regardless of the situation, they shouldn’t be discouraged. They could be confident that God would bring about “righteous judgment” for everyone, including those who persecuted them.

They needed to be worthy of God’s Kingdom, seeking to please Him, living according to His principles, and never giving in to compromise.

Through every situation you face, seek to stay faithful, trust in God, be full of faith, and be a good example for others.

Reflection Question: How can you set a spiritual example for others?