FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

Life, Love, Pursuing Holiness – Family Devotional March 2025

We’ve been talking about preparing and being ready for projects like baking a cake, building a barn, or running a marathon.

Then, we talked about preparing for suffering and difficult situations.

Now, in chapter 3 Paul tells the Thessalonians he has a sense of comfort because of their faith and fellowship. Our fellowship and unity consist of many different actions, attitudes and words. We need to prepare for fellowship and unity just like we prepare for projects and suffering. The Apostle Paul tells us to listen to trusted friends, encourage each other in their faith and pray for each other.

Talk about: Do you remember your report cards? What did they report on? If you were to fill out a report card according to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) what grades would you give yourself?

Read 1 Thess. 3:6-13

Answer the following questions:

What would others say, “report” v.6, about your faith and love?

This encourages the apostle v.7, how are you encouraged when you hear about someone else’s faith?

Google the books, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Foxes Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, or Jesus Freaks (read a sample, Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks by DC Talk), and read, or watch, the biography of several heroes of the Christian faith, find a quote or something significant that they said and believed.

Who did you pick and why?

In the last part of this chapter Paul wants the Thessalonians to know how much they mean to him and how their faith inspires him. So, he prays for them.

Ask: How can you pray for others, vv.9-10, and their faith?

Notice what the Apostle Paul prays for Thessalonian church:

  • Allow God to direct them,
  • Increase and abound in love for each other,
  • Establish their hearts in holiness

Spend some time praying for each other.

Additional Discussion Questions:

  1. Faith and Fellowship Check-in – Who in your life encourages your faith the most? How can you be an encouragement to someone else?
  2. Unity in Action – What does unity look like in our family? Are there areas where we struggle to be united? How can we improve?
  3. Love in Action – Paul prays for love to increase. What are some practical ways we can show more love to each other this week?
  4. Holiness Challenge – Paul wants their hearts to be established in holiness. What does it mean to be holy in our everyday lives?

Activity: Encouragement Chain

  • Each family member writes a short note of encouragement for another person in the family (or for someone outside the family who could use encouragement).
  • Share these aloud and discuss how encouragement strengthens faith and unity.