Thoughts on 2 Thessalonians 1

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 42; 2 Thessalonians 1-2

Solid theology, rather than empty platitudes, is what strengthens and supports us in suffering.

As I was reading the 2 Thessalonians 1 this morning, I was thinking about how often Paul addresses suffering with theology, or with a reminder of theology previously taught. He doesn’t tell them, “Don’t worry, I’m sure God has a plan for your suffering,” or, “Those who are dying among you, it must just be their time,” or any other equally empty platitude. Nor does he simply tell them he's sending thoughts, prayers, or good vibes their way. No, when Christians are suffering, Paul has a response to it.

At times, Paul reminds his readers, as does Peter, that when we suffer as Christians, it builds Godly character. Other times he reminds his readers that Jesus Himself suffered, and we must suffer with Him. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul reminds his readers of the eternal glory coming to them as a reward for their faithful suffering for the kingdom of God, and of the eternal destruction coming to those who are inflicting that suffering on them.

I guess I'm noticing this and pointing this out this morning, both for our own sake, and for the sake of the people around us. When we have no more hope in our suffering than the world around us, and nothing more to offering those who are suffering than the world does, we fall short of the hope we should have in the gospel. But when we have this steady base in our own suffering, and understand, as Paul does, the many reasons for our suffering, to be able to strengthen and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ with a proper response in the midst of their own suffering, we stand as a bold witness for the glory of the gospel of Christ.

But if we want to be that, for ourselves and others, we can't be a one trick pony. Paul doesn't give the same response to suffering in each of his letters and to each of his audiences, but gives the needed instruction and response based on the situation into which he is speaking. If we want to be used by God in this same way, to strengthen and support those around us, we need to learn, pay attention, and exercise wisdom and discernment in what and how we use our understanding of suffering in Christ.