I Thessalonians 1:6b: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
Paul loved investing his life in people, watching them grow in their faith and follow Christ. He was thrilled to hear of their faith being talked about by others. His list of characteristics are a checklist for self-examination for us. Do we mimic what we see in other believers as they demonstrate Christlikeness? Do we respond well to the Word of God, even in hard times or when it is truth that is hard for us to hear? Does the joy of His Holy Spirit shine through in our lives? Am I an example God would have others follow in living out their faith? Let us not answer with words, but with action.
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