We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. (1 Thess. 1:2)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
In the early twentieth century, leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, still had no effective treatment. Alice Ball, an African American chemist and the first woman and first Black professor at the University of Hawaii, revolutionized treatment with her groundbreaking “Ball Method.” By modifying chaulmoogra oil into an injectable and absorbable form, Ball’s work offered the first effective treatment for leprosy and was used globally for decades. Tragically, Ball died at just twenty-four years of age, and her contributions to science were not recognized until years later. Her legacy, though once obscured, continues to impact global medicine and serves as a testament to her brilliance and resilience. Her hard work and dedication helped bring dignity and healing to thousands once shunned by society.
The church in Thessalonica was not a powerful group of influencers and leaders in Greek society. They would have been relatively unknown to the community at large, yet Paul notes that their enduring faith in the midst of persecution served as a model for the church spread throughout the empire. Paul praised them for their humble obedience and often encouraged and challenged other churches with their story. The church in Thessalonica encourages us to live out our faith with joy and perseverance—even when we think no one notices. Our simple lives of faith will impact more people than we can ever imagine.
Live faithfully and serve humbly, even when not recognized.
Mark Moore is an associate professor of theology at Jessup University (CA) and an associate pastor at Faith Legacy Church in Sacramento, CA.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
