And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

I have never read this passage and noted that Paul uses "affliction" to describe the challenges faced by the saints in Thessalonica. I checked Strongs, and yes, all variations of the Greek word carry a note of stress, even persecution being given as a possible alternative. How can that be? They didn't have to deal with Facebook or a political system driven by innuendo and lies. Or did they face a culture that was as intolerant to the Faith given once for all (Jude 1:3) as we face today?

I suspect the answer is yes and the solution is the same. They received the Word...with the joy of the Holy Spirit. May I do the same.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 48

Mid-day: 119:129-136

Evening: Psalm 124

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  All Scripture is taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.