Speaks for Itself (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

1 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV

Sometimes, you don’t have to say a word.

Fruit speaks—that is, the fruit of your labor speaks. The evidence of what’s in you can be seen by others without you even opening your mouth. Some things speak for themselves.

Think of nature. Mountains do not speak. Yet, their presence is known and felt. Oceans do not talk. But the depth and mystery of them are known to all. The sky doesn’t have speech … but with just one glance, we all see the beauty it possesses.

Sometimes, you don’t have to say a word.

Peter alluded to this truth in 1 Peter 3:1-2. His message to wives was as follows: “Wives likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” By mere conduct, the wives could convert the husbands. By fearing the Lord and without uttering a word, God could be seen through their actions.

In 1 Thessalonians 1:8, Paul says that the believers at Thessalonica were preached to in both word and power. That word given in power bloomed into something greater. The Thessalonians heard the word, and they, in turn, spread it even further. Paul said, “Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”

The proof was in the pudding, and the pudding was indeed sweet. The sweet word from heaven, that Jesus was sent to save humanity from the wrath of God had gone into their ears and come out of their mouths. The evidence of their faith was revealed by how they ran with the torch of preaching the word—carrying out the mission of God. Paul didn’t need to say anything to validate their faith. The proof was obvious.

Sometimes, you don’t have to say a word.

And so, dear reader, I don’t have much more to say today. I’ll let the passage speak for itself, just as your faith should speak for itself.

Be filled with love for God and man, take in the Word, and go forth in power, and may your devotion towards God and His Kingdom speak for itself.

Sometimes, you don’t have to say a word … but always be sure to live it.

Be blessed, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thank you for reading this week's Write On! Wednesday article. New blog posts and videos are available every Wednesday at noon. The Now That's A Word! YouTube Channel is here: https://YouTube.com/@nowthatsaword

Again, thanks for reading! Have a blessed day.

Sincerely,

Quin Arrington