1 Thessalonians 1:2-6

We always give thanks to God for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;

constantly keeping in mind your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,

knowing, brothers and sisters, beloved by God, His choice of you;

for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sakes.

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word during great affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit,