But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
You know what it is like to be worried, fretful, and afraid you've been left out. You need reassurance and words of truth to remind you not only how much you are loved by God and that you have been blessed by Him.
The apostle Paul wrote this second letter to the small group in Thessalonica who had been believers for a very short time. They somehow thought that they had been left to suffer terrors under the Antichrist (see the previous verses) but this was not true. Paul simply reminded them they had been chosen for salvation and were a part of the faithful body of believers in Christ. Paul was giving thanks to God for them and giving thanks for their faithfulness!
Paul also reminded them that God called them through His gospel in order that they would gain the glory of Jesus Christ. He encouraged them to stand firm and "hold to the traditions which you were taught" (verse 15). Paul knew that these words of truth would not only be cheering but would also strengthen their resolve to live as followers of Christ.
