Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 WEB
With this benediction, Paul offers a blessing to close chapter two of his second letter to the Thessalonians. In his brief prayer, Paul reminds believers of the love and grace given by God. He encourages the hearts of his readers with the hope and comfort received through faith in Jesus Christ. Moreover, Paul urges putting the good news of Christ into practice with the establishment of good work and faithful presentation of the gospel message.
Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God proved his love for each of us. As Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV” God assures that those who believe and repent from sin receive eternal life as their reward. This is our eternal comfort.
Further, nothing in this world or in the spiritual world can remove God’s love from our lives. As Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. WEB”
Stand Firm In Faith
Members of the Thessalonian church experienced great persecution and trials. As false teachings arose and confusion set in, Paul encouraged them to stand firm in their faith and to trust in the reliability of the truth of the gospel message.
The gospel message is straightforward. God loves the sinner but hates the sin. Christ came to call sinners to repentance and to pay for our sins on the cross. The Lord calls us to turn away from our sin and toward obedience to God. Our heavenly Father forgives our sins when we accept through faith that Jesus paid for our transgressions on the cross.
After accepting Christ, we live in submission to the word of God. As Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments. WEB” Our eternal comfort is the assurance of everlasting life in heaven. The evidence for this is Christ resurrected. No matter what we endure here on earth, our hope is in Jesus and the great reward that awaits in the hereafter.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the eternal comfort of your holy word. Give me wisdom. Let no one deceive me but give me discernment to know the truth of your will for my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Trust in the Living God
