We have the potential to be something very special. This potential is in us because God has called us to live a life worthy of Him. With that call God began a work in us, a work that He has promised to complete. That supernatural work of God within us is what drives our potential. [Philippians 1:6, I Thessalonians 2:12b]

Paul saw the potential of the converts in Thessalonica. He wrote his letter to them to express his joy in them, and to help develop God’s potential in their lives. His letter gives us much to think about amid its simplicity.

Paul begins, ^“We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  [I Thessalonians 1:2-3 NLT]

As that first chapter begins to unwind, Paul reminisces about how these converts embraced the Gospel. He points out that the Gospel came to them not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. These converts welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit and became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Their faith was well known everywhere. This is high praise because Paul calls no other church a model, an example or pattern to both believers and non-believers.

What a joyous way to begin a letter. It reminds me of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 and the Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19. Jesus told his listeners that a master had entrusted certain of his servants with talents or minas, and upon his return had found that some had multiplied what was given them while others had not. To those who had gained, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!” [Matthew 25:21 NLT]

The opening of Paul’s letter is his way of saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things ….”  Now he will show them the way to be faithful with even more, the way to share their Master’s happiness.