Thank You For Being faithful!

Isn't it nice to hear someone say to us, "Thank you?" You are walking into a building and spend a little extra time holding the door for the family behind you. When the last one in the family passes by, probably the dad, he turns and says, "Thank you." That feels good. I enjoy hearing that.

I wonder how often we tell people "thank you" for being faithful Christians. The apostle Paul was a master of telling people "thank you" for being faithful. In 9 out of Paul's 13 letters, he let the Christians know that he was thankful for them, and he let God know that he was thankful for them. How awesome would it be if an apostle of Christ sent you a letter letting you know he was thankful for you? SUPER AWESOME!

In both letters Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he let them know that he was thankful for their faithfulness (1 Thess.1:2, 3; 2 Thess. 1:3). In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, we can gain insight into some specifics that Paul was thankful for concerning these Christians' faithfulness. 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)

13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

The church at Thessalonica was hungry for the word of God! They accepted it and applied it. These faithful brothers and sisters let the word of God work in their hearts, and they let it control their actions. If Paul had noticed, I wonder how many others would have been able to see this? This church family loved God's word. They lived God's word, and because of that, Paul made sure to say "thank you." 

I want to share that same message with you. I am genuinely thankful for this Hilldale family. In my 3 months here, I have heard numerous times that you loved the lessons I presented. I don't say this to toot my horn. I say this to say thank you so much for being hungry to learn. Thank you so much for hearing the word of God. It is evident that this church family has internalized the word of God because so many wonderful ministries are happening. I love this church family so much and I am thankful for your faithfulness. 

— Matt Jones