In one song a well-known singer asks the fortunate to consider others by saying ‘nobody wins unless everybody does’. In this passage we find the church in Thessalonica was, in a sense, in a similar position. They were known for their faith, hope and love because of the way they had responded to the ‘good news’ (gospel) of Jesus Christ.

In writing to the church the apostle Paul mentions the example of those who brought the gospel to them and asks the Thessalonian church to consider how their faith can benefit others. There is a mention here of both suffering and joy. The Christian life involves trials and persecution but there is also joy in the midst of this because of the outcome of what Jesus has done.

When Jesus went to the cross He suffered terribly even though he was completely innocent. He too, however, went through this because of the ‘joy’ of the outcome which he knew would be result. His sufferings, to death on the cross as a substitute, would bring forgiveness as a free gift to everyone who believes. When the church live out their faith everyone benefits. In this sense the singer was right.