Growing Stronger

What do you picture when you think of Greece? I see the warm azure waters of the Mediterranean, smell aromatic dishes featuring lamb and seafood, and I think of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. In their earliest times, the games were simpler than today. They focussed on feats of endurance (the marathon) and strength (wrestling).

When Paul first visited Thessalonica, he had preached in a synagogue about the revelation of Jesus. Among those who were receptive to the message were “a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.” (Acts 17:4) At the time of Paul’s writing to the people of that city, his encouragement to the young church was not about physical strength but spiritual strength.

Another part of this encouragement is for us today: “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all ?” (verse 12) We have been grafted into the tree of life. Women can be leaders in the church. God’s message of love is not just for some, but for all.

God of love, strengthen us in our desire to extend your love to all people. Amen. — DAK

Contributed by Growing Stronger

What do you picture when you think of Greece? I see the warm azure waters of the Mediterranean, smell aromatic dishes featuring lamb and seafood, and I think of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. In their earliest times, the games were simpler than today. They focussed on feats of endurance (the marathon) and strength (wrestling). When Paul first visited Thessalonica, he had preached in a synagogue about the revelation of Jesus. Among those who were receptive to the message were "a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women." (Acts 17:4) At the time of Paul's writing to the people of that city, his encouragement to the young church was not about physical strength but spiritual strength. Another part of this encouragement is for us today: "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all ?" (verse 12) We have been grafted into the tree of life. Women can be leaders in the church. God's message of love is not just for some, but for all.
Eternity for Today