While We Wait - a Study of 1 & 2 ThessaloniansEsimerkki

Grief is hard. There’s no way around it. Losing someone you love is as painful as it gets. But there's also no way to avoid it. We will all experience loss at some point in our lives.

The Thessalonians weren't exactly sure about what happens to believers who die before Jesus returns—while we wait. And Paul delivers good news: We can grieve with the hope of being reunited with those we love!

So...when is Jesus returning?

As much as every generation of scholars and prophets tries to predict, here's the real answer: We don't know exactly when.

So, the next time someone tells you they know, they don't.

But here's what we do know:

1. While we don't know when it will happen, it also won't catch believers by surprise. That does require some action from us though: Paul encourages us to be on our guard by keeping connected to God and other believers. (1 Thessalonians 5:4)
2. We don't need to be scared—it's an exciting thing!
3. For those who have faith in Christ, the return of Jesus will be better than any earthly day we could ever imagine.

And so, we continue on while we wait. Paul encourages us to "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Take a minute to reflect on those areas of your life—how are you doing, and how can you get better at sharing your joy, prayers, and thankfulness with others in order to demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus?