Paul writes that he constantly gave thanks and prayed always for the Thessalonians, “so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you“. Paul reminds them that “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth“. They were called to hear the gospel message, to know the power and example of Christ, and needed to stand firm in their faith.
The same message applies to us, called to the hope of the gospel, to witness of God’s mercy despite the trials of life, the affliction and deception. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word“.