3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
The apostle expresses two reasons for being thankful to God for the Christians in Thessalonica. First, he viewed himself under moral obligation to do so; he was duty bound to be thankful. Secondly, it was entirely proper to do so because of their evident faith and brotherly love that endured and grew in the face of “persecutions and tribulations”. Joined with Paul’s thanksgiving to God was his ready endorsement of the brethren to the churches. Our lesson is simply, yet clear. We are to be thankful for our brethren because it is the right thing to do. And especially when their lives exhibit worthy examples for us and others. “In everything give thanks” must constantly govern our attitude toward God and His children (1 Thess. 5:18).
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