“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and in the afflictions that you are enduring. Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.” (vv.3-6)
Here in our text we see that Paul was giving thanks to this young church for their growing faith, and for their increasing love for one another (v.3). Paul also recognized their steadfastness in the afflictions they were enduring (v.4), as it set the righteousness of God on display (v.5). This faith and love, thriving in the midst of persecutions and tribulations, made Paul boast of the Thessalonians to other churches.
God’s righteous judgment was at work among the Thessalonians (v.5), beginning at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17), and purifying them as followers of Jesus. The good result – showing them worthy of the kingdom of God – was manifest evidence that God was good in allowing them to suffer the persecutions and tribulations (v.4).
We usually think that God is absent when we suffer, and that our suffering calls God’s righteous judgment into question. Paul took the exact opposite position and insisted that the Thessalonians’ suffering was evidence of the righteous judgment of God. The fires of persecution and tribulation were like the purifying fires of a refiner, burning away the dross from the gold, bringing forth a pure, precious metal.
The same holds true for us. Trials, tribulations are a part of life. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” The trials of life are not meant to weaken us, but to strengthen us, refine us, and purify us. Therefore, when they come, know that the testing is evidence that you are worthy of the kingdom of God.
The Truth: "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
