1 Thessalonians 2:20
For you are our glory and joy.

Every genuine minister of the gospel, who loves and cares for those they minister to would agree with Paul and his friends that the people they minister to are important to them.

Paul writes about the Thessalonian church saying, “For you are our glory and joy”.  Glory because they were a reflection of the effectiveness of their work and ministry in their midst and the Macedonia region. They are the evidence of how successful their ministry was among them. They also reflect the impact of their work.

They had joy because nothing brings great satisfaction than to see that your work is bearing fruit and you are blessing lives.  They had joy because they know that the Father is also being glorified through their ministry among the Gentiles. See John 15:8.

As members of the church and those who receive ministry, we can bring joy to our leaders and glory to God by standing firm on the word that we receive through their ministry. We also do this with our lifestyles. When we refrain from doing evil we will not bring shame and dishonor to the cause of Christ.

Friend, the Lord will help us as ministers to have effective ministry so that our work can bring us glory and joy. He will also help us as members of the church so that our lives can bring Him glory. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Pray for yourself that your work and life will bring you joy and glory.
• Pray that your life will bring God joy and glory too.

Song:  We give You glory Lord, as we honor You. 

Further Reading: Psalm 84:11.