October 2006

2Th 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in His grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope,
2Th 2:17 encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

The first thing we see in this portion of scripture is that our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father love us. There is nothing we can do to change how God feels about us. He loves us because His love comes from who He is. Faith will always rise in your heart in response to believing that your Heavenly Father loves you.

Secondly, His grace, which is His undeserved favour and ability, has given us unfailing courage. Courage, also known as fortitude, is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.

Thirdly, His grace will give you the ability to face anything that confronts you and you will have an unshakeable hope. Hope is a confident expectation of good. His love and grace make you immovable when facing opposition as you will have an expectation within you that all things will work out in your favour.

Fourth, His grace will encourage and strengthen you, as you will know that these things will work out not because of your ability, but because of His ability and favour which rest upon you. Believe in His love and grace and be the person of love, courage, hope and strength that you are!