THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is packed full of instruction and encouragement. In chapter four, Paul begins giving instructions on how to please God (4:1-12). Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are pleasing to God (vv. 1-2) by living in holiness (vv. 3-8) and love (vv. 9-12). Each day we have an opportunity to walk how we ought to walk and please God. This ongoing process of doing so more and more is the process of growth we call sanctification. Sanctification is the process of the Spirit purifying us and making us holy as God is holy. Today and every day this week walk “in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified [us] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col 1:10-12). Please God, live holy, and love, love, love!
