Receiving the Word in Much Affliction

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you because.....you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4, 6b)

Have you ever tried to bring the Word of God to someone while they were in affliction? Did they receive it with joy?

I have many times tried to encourage a person while they were in affliction. Often a sister or a brother in the Lord has come close to our family who was struggling with affliction in their families. We have spoken the Word of God to them and then prayed with them, and for them. The two questions I see I need to ask myself from this text is...
1. Did they "receive" the word?
2. Did they receive the word with "joy"?
Paul says that he knew that God loved and had chosen the Thessalonians because while they were in affliction, they were joyfully receiving the Word of God. This is evidence of authentic Christianity.

Have you ever been counseled by someone with the Bible? Maybe you were having a certain difficulty with your spouse at one time; then you shared that with a sister or brother in Christ. Then this person opened up their Bible and shared some truth with you; did you receive it? I mean like you would receive a pass from a Quarterback? Did you receive the truth, hold on to the truth and then run with the truth? Did you then run with joy because of the truth you were holding? If you have, the person who brought the Word to you is able to praise The Lord knowing that your faith is authentic; you have been chosen by God to inherit eternal life! It is evident because of the way you received the Word.