The first three chapters of 1 Thessalonians crescendo with a prayer in which the Apostle Paul expresses his deepest longings for them: He prays that their love would increase and abound toward each other and also toward their oppressors. And he prays that God would strengthen their hearts, giving them a Spirit-empowered impulse to live blameless lives for the glory of Jesus -- to present to him the gift of their worshiping lives when he finally returns. May we live this way, as well!