2 Thessalonians 1:3

King James Version (KJV)

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Translations

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Amplified Bible

We ought {and} indeed are obligated [as those in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly and the love of every one of you each toward the others is increasing {and} abounds.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - American Standard Version

We are bound to give thanks to God always to you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith growth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Bible in Basic English

It is right for us to give praise to God at all times for you, brothers, because of the great increase of your faith, and the wealth of your love for one another;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Darby Bible

We ought to thank God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, because your faith increases exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all towards one another abounds;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - English Standard Version

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - King James Version

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - La Biblia de las Americas

Siempre tenemos que dar gracias a Dios por vosotros, hermanos, como es justo, porque vuestra fe aumenta grandemente, y el amor de cada uno de vosotros hacia los demás abunda más y más;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - The Message

You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - New American Standard Bible

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is {only} fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows {ever} greater;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Siempre tenemos que dar gracias a Dios por ustedes, hermanos, como es justo, porque su fe aumenta grandemente, y el amor de cada uno de ustedes hacia los demás abunda más y más.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - World English Bible

We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Young's Living Translation

We ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because increase greatly doth your faith, and abound doth the love of each one of you all, to one another;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Additional Comments

Thankfulness to others is more than a kindness, we also are to do it out of duty, by his command. We are bound to do it, as one would to an oath. But we are to do what is fitting, not out of flattery or unfounded value. How can you tell the difference between flattery and true praise? It is based on the substance of what is being praised. The Thessalonians had the substance worthy of Paul's praise.
Paul listed here why he was thankful for the Thessalonians - the rapid rate of growth of their faith. This letter was written probably soon after the first letter to the Thessalonians, so it was still early in the Thessalonica church's life. They had grown rapidly in their faith. Why? Probably because they were focusing more on God than on the things of the world. They were suffering persecutions and tribulations (vs 4), but yet still had great growth, because of their focus.
What else had grown tremendously? Their love for each other. Their love for each other abounded! What might be the evidences that love among those in a church is abounding? Are these things a challenge to us?
What strength in their church, as the 2 defining characteristics found in their church is faith and love.
We see Paul also commending them on their faith and love in 1 Thess (1 Thess 1:3) also. Not only do we see this in the Thessalonian church, but we also see it consistently over time.
How can we be abounding in faith? How can we be abounding in love? And, how can we maintain faith and love over time?
Prov 4:18 "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day." - may we become brighter day after day until the perfect day comes.

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