Faith, love and perseverance

The coming of Christ and his gospel creates a new family in which affections run deeply. If these affections dry up, or if they are questioned, much mischief can follow. We can begin to doubt that our faith is really a work of God after all. So Paul is eager to assure his friends at Thesalonica that his love for them is real and that he will do everything he can to support and develop their faith. But then, Paul also prays that believers will grow and increase in their love for one another and for all, so as to be holy before God when Christ returns. From beginning to end, love is vital to faith and to perseverance.