Sermonette- Dec. 3, 2018

“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” — 1 Thessalonians 3:9

It seems that our society is becoming more and more individualistic. And, as a result, we often neglect the power of the faith of the larger body of Christ in the world to affect our lives. In this letter, Paul was writing to the Thessalonians in a time in which he himself was enduring considerable persecution and suffering (see 1 Thessalonians 3:4, 7). Timothy had just returned with a report that the Thessalonians had been keeping Paul and his companions in their thoughts and prayers.

For Paul, the awareness that the Thessalonians were praying for him gave him strength in his own experience of suffering. As Paul writes, “For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).

It is also important to note that Paul was strengthened by their prayers even though he was fully aware that they were far from perfect in their faith. Again, Paul writes, “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10). We are not only strengthened by those who have developed a maturity in the faith but also by those who still have a long way to go. Hmm . . .

In the part of the body of Christ in the world to which I hold fast, the season of Advent begins on Dec. 2 this year. Advent is a time to prepare for, look to, be alert for the coming of the Christ. It’s a time of waiting. As we enter this season of Advent and make preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ, I think it is truly important that we all keep in mind the wider expression of our faith made evident in the body of Christ.

The community of faith, the body of Christ, reaches around the world and each part is strengthened by the prayers of the other parts. The sad reality is that some of the communities of Christ around the world are experiencing persecution and are in need of our prayers. Other congregations within the body of Christ are experiencing stress and conflict and are also in need of our prayers and concern.

Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is loving God and loving neighbor. This great commandment finds a fuller, more real expression as we become aware of and pray for each other. As Paul writes, “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you” (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

Call me crazy, but maybe praying for other parts of the body of Christ could be an important focus for all of us as we enter Advent. Glory be to God!