ians 1:3, where the Apostle Paul wrote this:
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other."
Growing faith and abounding love, ironically, flourish most in the fer-
tile soil of tribulation and trouble. (This is evident, as we read on, in 2 Thess., ch. 1.) When distress and affliction comes, and hearts are pruned--the genuineness of faith and love are made manifest.
Our faith will "grow exceedingly" when it is challenged. Our love will "abound" when its sincerity is placed on the line.
[Puritan quote of the day: "We should mourn for them who are living, yet dead in sin; and rejoice for them who are dead, yet live with Christ." --Thomas Watson, from his sermon, "The Saint's Desire to be with Christ"]
