The two churches in today’s letters couldn’t be more different. Philadelphia is surrounded by enemies but perseveres, while Laodicea is thriving by lukewarm. Still, both are included. Laodicea is given a warning, but they’re not cut off. Not yet, anyway. Philadelphia is faithful to their calling, even under perilous times. Do you wonder if the trials they face might have made them more faithful? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but sometimes our struggles do bring us closer to God.