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FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE

1 Thessalonians 5:7 & 8
"7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."

We are in the First letter to the Thessalonians. Written by the Apostle Paul just a few months after departing from this church he had started. In the letter we read Paul's encouragement to the church to grow in faith. Paul's words are like water for the thirsty soul, even today! They provide hope in the face of suffering and uncertainty.

"Ye are ALL the children of LIGHT..." We are a new creation. We are called to put a positive spin on life. It's a new life after all! Most people do not think of the Heavenly things or even their salvation through Jesus Christ. They are asleep. 😴 Because we are awake to the reality of the blessed Gospel we need to be alert and mindful. Looking for ways to share the Gospel. 

Today's verses; "For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night." Kind of like the old saying; "nothing good happens after midnight." In contrast to sleeping during the day is the height of laziness and to be drunk in the daytime is great shamelessness. Paul here is encouraging us to behave in such a way that it can be witnessed in the light of day. Don't do things that need the cover of darkness. 

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of FAITH and LOVE; and for an helmet, the HOPE of SALIVATION." A favorite of Paul's; the spiritual armor. In this instance featuring the three Christian graces; FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE. We need to guard our heads and hearts from the dangers and attacks from this world. Defending ourselves and one another with prayer. Praising others and setting a good example for all. 
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