‘We are bound to give thanks to God always, brothers and sisters, even as it is meet, for that your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all towards one another abounds.'
Again we find evidence of Paul's continual gratefulness to God, and his continual overflowing thankfulness. And here it was whole hearted for it was well merited. Indeed he felt ‘bound' to give thanks (a word revealing a sense of personal obligation) because there was so much to be thankful for. Their faith continued to grow hugely, as they learned and absorbed more of the word of God, witnessed widely and resisted persecution. Moreover their love for one another abounded. This was a continued answer to Paul's prayer for them (1 Thessalonians 3:12).