Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. 2 Thes 2:16

The world is full of pain and sorrow. People all around suffer, sorrow, and loose hope. There is fear all around. People fear the government, fear sickness, fear death, fear other people, and they even fear the unknown. Sad to say, but there is even fear in the church. Some fear they are not good enough. Not good enough for God, not good enough for heaven, and uncertain about God’s forgiveness and acceptance. Though fear is all around, God does not work through fear, but love and grace. The scripture passage reminds us of how incredible God’s love is for His children. He “hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.” How amazing is our God! He is so amazing that He demonstrated His love to the world, and He gave His only Son to pay the eternal sin debt for man in exchange for eternal life (Jn 3:16). What amazing love! He provides access into His presence through His Son, and He awaits His children to come to Him freely at any time (Heb 4:16). He has “given us everlasting consultation” which to say that God has given His children the comforting, assurance of His forgiveness, His love, and His acceptance forever. He has settled the payment for man’s sin and given a “good hope through grace” that we should no longer live slaves to sin in fear but “a son…an heir of God through Christ” (Gal 4:7). Dear friend, God gives real hope and strength to all His children to “comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2 Thes 2:17). The “good hope” and comforting assurance for the child of God is the word of God. The word of God assures us of God’s forgiveness (Col 1:14), acceptance (Eph 1:6), and His love that we should live no longer in fear but in “good hope through grace.” My friend, God “hath given us everlasting consolation” through His Son, “our Lord Jesus Christ” that through Him “that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom 15:4). Our hope is in Jesus Christ, our “everlasting consolation.” No longer should we live by fear, but by “faith, hope, and love…but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Father thank You for Your love and the assurance of Your love through Your Son Jesus and the word of God. Help us to walk in Your favor and true to Your word. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.