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2 Thessalonians 2:13 - God's Passionate Love for You.2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.INTRODUCTION 2:13 Paul consistently taught that salvation begins and ends with God. We can do nothing to be saved on our own merit - we must accept God's gift of salvation. There is no other way to receive forgiveness from sin. Paul is encouraging the Thessalonian believers by reminding them that they were chosen by God from the beginning. Being made holy is the process of Christian growth through which the Holy Spirit makes us like Christ (Romans 8:29). See the note on 1:11, 12. [Life Application SB] 1:11, 12 As Christians, our calling from God is to become like Christ (Romans 8:29). This is a gradual, lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2). To be "worthy" of this calling means to want to do what is right and good (as Christ would). We aren't perfect yet, but we're moving in that direction as God works in us. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL My niece, Lily, is one of my favorite people. She is six years old, loves unicorns, and adores all things sparkly. We live in different states, so we don't see each other that often. But when we do, she greets me with a giant hug and a shout of "Aunt Sue!" I sweep her up in my arms and kiss her all over her face. This summer when we were on a family vacation together, Lily chose me to be her pal at the community pool. The pool had a lazy river with inner tubes for floating. Lily and I spent a good hour being pulled by the gentle current, drifting around the lazy river. I sat in the inner tube, and she sat on my lap. We trailed our fingers in the water, tried not to bump other river riders, and laughed a lot. I love her like crazy. I am so glad that she chose to be close to me. It is a precious thing to be chosen. Jesus chose me to be His before the beginning of time. He knows who I am inside and out, the beautiful and the not-so-beautiful. He forgives and accepts me. He loves me like crazy. He wants to spend time with me now and for the rest of eternity. Choosing to be close to Jesus is the best choice I've ever made. Susanna Foth Aughtmon Faith step: Carve out time today, in prayer and worship, to talk to Jesus. Let Him know that you choose Him and love Him like crazy. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Ephesians 1:4 - Gods Passionate Love for You. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211205-0848.html John 3:16 - LOVE SUPREME! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211206-0816.html John 3:17 - Jesus Came To Save Not Condemn. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220712-1045.html Romans 8:29 - You Were Created to Be like Christ. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220913-0858.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |