We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly ...

2 Thessalonians 1:3

When we plant a garden or flower bed, one thing that we do not want to grow abundantly is weeds. When they appear, we either pull them out or spray them to kill them.

Paul, in writing to the Christians at Thessalonica, praised them for their faith “growing abundantly” and their love for each other. In 2 Peter 3 we are encouraged to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To the Ephesians Paul encourages them to grow up in him and not to grow weary. In our age, perhaps we have grown weary, cried like Habakkuk, and asked the question, “how long?”

We live and rejoice knowing that HIS steadfast love endures forever, and our faith never fails, because it grows abundantly.

William Balke
Gresham, OR

Thank you, Lord, for my daily growth in your Word. God’s Riches, Our Wealth, Use Prayer. Amen.

Reflect: Sing, “By Grace I’m Saved” (LSB 566). 

Read: Ephesians 4:15-32 and 2 Timothy 1:5-10