SUMMARY: Family
OVERVIEW: Paul views the Thessalonian church as his family and reassures them of his love and commitment to them.
BIG IDEA: Live in community with others, treating them as friends and family.
KEY VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (Paul expresses his love)
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
When you love and serve one another, you create calm in the midst of chaos. When you love and serve one another, you provide stability, hope, and peace. Be aware of who is around you. Be aware of the temperaments, personalities, and needs. For some you can speak loudly and authoritatively. For others you’ll need to be gentle and speak with a soft voice. Focus on creating a healthy environment. Don’t strive to be right. Make unity your priority.
People want more than your words. Actions speak volumes. People will be more receptive when they know you care for them and when they trust you. So pay attention to how you live more than crafting a message. Your life is a megaphone. Let it communicate love, joy, peace in what you say and in how you treat others. Then you can encourage, comfort, and urge others to live lives worthy of being my children. Then you can make an eternal impact in the world.
NEXT STEP
Commit to being in a small group to practice the value of living and loving in a community. Invite those not in a group to be part of yours, or help them find a group.
MUSIC VIDEO
BONUS Video Clip
“Thanksgiving grace” from Funny People