3:1 In the chaos of your personal, daily life, remember to pray also for this philosophy. Pray for faith to have the opportunity to change the lives of others.
3:2 Pray for goodness to have strength over evil. In the previous chapter we spoke of this world being an opportunity, a freedom to become who we are. Not everyone chooses to be good (generous, compassionate, fair) and therefore pray for those who do. Pray that they may excel in their work. We are God's eyes and ears down here, His instruments. He can do so much through us!
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
3:4 Paul had confidence in the Thessalonians for their consistent, generous, faithful work. The apostles demanded that students of this philosophy were good, patient, kind, honest. This faithful work indeed demands that we are our best selves. We represent this faith, our behavior should encourage people toward its qualities of justice and compassion.
3:5 This is a beautiful prayer from Paul for the Thessalonians and all of God's children: may He guide our souls with His love. May He strengthen us in perseverance, the ability to survive and thrive, learn and grow and accomplish.
3:6 Paul instructs us on how to maintain our faith. It is important that we cultivate compassion, generosity, honesty. It is important that we express and project truth and faith. What is also important is that we observe the people who are around us. We must ensure that we are not allowing ourselves to be influenced by a negative or stagnant environment. This philosophy must be alive in your life in every moment. Supporting you, guiding you, comforting you and yes, correcting and edifying you.
We break good habits when we are not consistent with our behavior. Idleness is neglecting to do the right thing or say the right thing when you are in the perfect place and time to say or do it. Disruptive is ignoring or contradicting God's compassionate will. We are not perfect; we frequently make mistakes but when we try God ensures that our errors propel us by teaching and growing our character.
3:7 Let people's behavior teach you about who they are and how authentic they are. The apostles were humble, hard-working and faithful in every moment. Follow good examples and if you think you have none, refer to this book (it's full of good example!).
3:8 Paul wants to ensure that we never become arrogant or feel entitled. No matter who you are, no matter how kind or faithful or successful or beautiful, do your part here on earth. We are the implements of justice and we must fulfill our potential and our purpose.
The apostles earned their every meal and they never stopped working selflessly. God wants us to work and use our hands and minds if we can (it is so good for us!).
3:9-10 The apostles were especially hard-working because they understood that they represented the faith. This is a faith of workers with God, I Corinthians 3:9. We are here and we have responsibility... we are given to in order that we may give (rather than pile wealth in our bank accounts and arrogant pride in our hearts).
3:11-12 Be busy with being a good person. Uphold standards for yourself and do not waste your time not meeting them.
3:13 Continue to let faith and nature inspire you to be your best self. If the circumstances of the world or your life start to make you feel weary or tired, delve into this book. Delve into your spirit. There you will find God waiting to lift you up and light you up again in strength and perseverance.
3:14-15 Paul refers to the people whose philosophy of life is fundamentally opposite ours (opposite, not different). Any faith that teaches goodness is not an enemy. Yet disassociate from negative institutions, people and atmospheres. Good and evil naturally separate if we use our discernment.
God does not want us to be hateful. Do not have enemies or arguments... simply separate yourself from things, ideas and people you do not agree with. Let them observe your example from afar. The example of how you live your life.
God does not want us to be hateful. Do not have enemies or arguments... simply separate yourself from things, ideas and people you do not agree with. Let them observe your example from afar. The example of how you live your life.
3:16 Beautiful prayers from Paul on our behalf (You have these, these blessings were prayer for for you, acknowledge and accept them):
- May the lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
- The Lord be with you all.
3:17-18 Signed authentically by Paul sealed with a final blessing of grace.
