Choose Joyنموونە

DAY 33 - SUFFERING, WITH JOY

Reflection: In our final reflection from the writing of Paul, we find joy embedded in a profound description of the power of the Gospel. We learn how the good news of Jesus is to be given and received, and the outcome through changed lives.

Paul describes the Gospel coming to the Thessalonians in words, certainly, but not words alone. Instead, the simple message of Christ crucified that Paul shared everywhere came also in power. Not disembodied power, but because the Holy Spirit was present. And the fertile ground for this Gospel presentation was the deep conviction in which Paul and his companions shared the Gospel. Not only shared it, but lived it as they made their home among the Thessalonians.

Words, power, Holy Spirit, deep conviction, life.

In response, the Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and his companions. They then welcomed the message, and even when this created severe suffering, their welcome continued with joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Imitate, welcome, suffering, joy, Holy Spirit.

The outcome? The Thessalonian church became a model to believers everywhere. The word for model is tupos, which means an impression made by a blow, such as a stamp or pattern. This possibly alludes to the blows of suffering experienced by the Thessalonians, in which their steadfastness has been a 'model' to Christians for thousands of years.

A miraculous component was joy, given by the Holy Spirit. It can be the miraculous component of our lives, too.

Choose joy: Have we become desensitisied to the wonder of the Gospel? Ask God to soften your heart, to send His Spirit, and deepen your conviction.