Many people in Thessalonica had responded to God’s call, leaving idolatry behind. Having received the message of the gospel presented by the apostle Paul and his helpers, they had turned to the only true and living God and started serving Him with enthusiasm. Today, we need to make sure that we are free from idolatry because we are exposed to its influence, often not realizing its subtle dangers. Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to our God and Father who has done so much for us. He even gave His own Son to save us and bring us to Himself. Thus, a precious relationship has been established with our God and Father and with our blessed Lord, as well as with the believers. We must constantly cultivate it so we may grow through faith. Does it grow “exceedingly” as was the case with those new believers? There is always room for improvement.

Our growing faith makes us enjoy the new and exciting relationship with our Savior God in real fellowship with Him. We are in enemy territory, surrounded by many dangers and facing unsuspected challenges. Let us cultivate our relationship with Him, as our faith makes us rely on Him, while we feed on His Word in response to His love. Thus, we will survive as we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

May our faith grow as the above verse suggests, in response to our Savior God. Do we thank Him for our brothers and sisters who walk with the Lord? Let us thank Him for missionaries we know, as we pray for them and their work, and for young people who devote themselves to serve the Lord part time in camps or in other ways. How much there is to pray for and to thank Him for as well!