Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
As a teacher, seeing someone value us and the teaching of God makes our hearts warm because we know that the Holy Spirit is actively working in their lives and the right love is being manifested even though instances hinder Christians from meeting together or having a fellowship. The longing of one's heart shows that we are one in Christ.
I asked one pastor what was his wish, and he said, "seeing the members of the church grow in knowledge, grace, and wisdom in Christ is all a pastor can ever ask for." We can see that Paul was also glad to hear from Timothy that these people do not only long to see Him, but also are faithful to God.
During these times, Paul was separated and is longing to see the church of Thessalonica which he openly shared in the previous passage. He wanted to be with them, but they kept on experiencing hindrances, but this did not stop Paul to pray for these people and show His support through His letters and by sending Timothy.
Timothy was sent by Paul to oversee the church in Thessalonica because Paul was imprisoned during that time. He openly shared that He longs to see them, to have fellowship with them.
During this pandemic period in our modern generation, many of the believers of Christ openly share how much they missed worshipping together, having fellowship together, and encouraging one another face to face, but just like Apostle Paul, true Christians aren't hindered by this but made use of technology to worship God as one through online services.
When Paul heard from Timothy that these people whom he wanted to see also longs for him, he felt encouraged even though he is experiencing persecution. Paul is truly grateful to have them in his life.
We can see the genuine love of Paul for these people that even if he is experiencing these afflictions, he is still thinking of when he'll be able to meet with God's people again to the point that Paul is willing to give his life for these people.
Paul ended the passage praying for these people to be holy and to abound in love for God and for the neighbors. Here you can see how much Paul valued these people as it is commanded that we should love our neighbors as ourselves and to love the church just like Christ did.
Reflect
1. Are we an encouragement to our fellow believers whenever we get to meet or speak with us?
2. Do we genuinely love the church as how Christ loves us?
3. Are we willing to give our lives for the church just like Christ did?
Read
1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:44-47; John 17:21-23; Romans 12:9-21
Remember
We are one church, we have one God, we have one Savior, Jesus Christ. We should be united in goal, in vision, and in mission, which should be enough reason for us to love each other genuinely and outdo one another in good works.
Pray
Our loving Father who binds us with His Son's holy blood, thank You for the life that You have given to me and for allowing me to experience the joy of having a family in Your Name, where I can feel that Your love truly abounds in the midst of us. Please give me a heart that finds endless joy in serving You and your church genuinely. Give me a heart that is willing to give my life just as how our Lord Jesus gave His. All of these things I ask in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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