I Thessalonians 2   Paul reassures and encourages his readers as he speaks of the great fondness he has for them.   When he first came to them with the truth of the gospel, he was bold, yet gentle and tender.  He was devout.. upright.. and blameless in behavior.  He was faithful to share the gospel, but careful to not be a burden.  He was so thankful that they received the gospel, recognizing it as the true word of God.  And, in this letter he is rejoicing that they are living out their kingdom lives in a worthy manner.

We, who are parents, can relate to Paul's tender and devoted love for his spiritual children.  We try to be bold in our teaching of the Word.  We want to live devoutly, uprightly, and blameless.. so that we are the best example we can be to our children.. and grandchildren.  We try to encourage and exhort.. and implore them .. so that they will walk "in a manner worthy of the God who calls [them] into His own kingdom and glory." ( v12)   We pray that they will be spared from false teachers, from suffering, from temptations... but, that when those things come, they will be strengthened by His Spirit in them.

And, when we see them growing in the grace of our Lord, standing firm in the faith.. we say, along with Paul,  " ... you are our glory and joy. " 

Father,  help our children and grandchildren.. and all our loved ones.. to  live according to Your Word.  May they bind "kindness and truth" around them, and write these virtues on the tablets of their hearts.  ( Prov. 3:3)
May they find favor in the sight of God and of man. (3:4)  May they trust in You with all of their hearts and not lean on their own understanding.  May they acknowledge You in all their ways, so that You can make their paths straight.  ( 3:5-6)  Thank You Father that Your grace is sufficient for each one of our loved ones. Our hope is in You, Lord, as we lift them before You once again.  As always, we ask these things in the Name of Jesus, the One who lives in us.. Amen.