More of the Same

 

I Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Paul has already shared with this church how much he had been rejoicing over them in prayer, and how much he had enjoyed the time he had been with them and invested in them. Now that he had heard from Timothy that they were still continuing on in faith and love, he again slips into a prayer of blessing for them.  And what does he ask?  More of the same - that they increase and abound in love and holiness.  He reminds them of the ultimate goal: to live here and now with our sights on the coming of Christ, who will join us together with all the saints of all times and churches in the presence of God.  Whatever faith, love, and growth we have had in Christ, may God give us more of the same.