1 Thessalonians_3

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3,53 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. ² We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them…. ⁵ For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 

Observation:

This chapter speaks to the love of Paul towards the Thessalonians, his heart’s desire towards their continued building of faith and the happiness he felt in knowing they had stayed the course, even in the absence of those that had initially shared the gospel with them.  

Understanding:

Paul had a leader’s heart for the Thessalonians.  He was concerned about them, about their faith, about how they were handling persecution, worried that they had been tempted to disregard and leave behind their faith.  So he sent reinforcements – someone he loved and who’s character he trusted – with the intention of checking on them and, if needed, encouraging them.  “Though [Paul] was hindered from going to them himself, yet his love was such that he could not forbear sending Timothy to them. Though Timothy was very useful to him, and he could not well spare him, yet Paul was content, for their good, to be left alone at Athens.”https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=3 This struck me because, I feel like there are many that weary right now.  2020 has been…trying, exhausting, emotional, frustrating, heartbreaking.  No doubt everyone has been impacted…whether by the coronavirus or illness, financial stresses, anxiety, hurt and/or outrage at the events around death of George Floyd and/or the worldwide outcry that has followed.  I can’t think of one person that has been left unaffected. So what is our response as a church, as individuals within our community and our own centers of influence?  We need to have love like Paul.  We need to check on those we love and care about.  We need to encourage others in their faith.  We need to look to meet people’s needs.  We need to follow the example of the early church.  

Life Application:

¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May we have God’s heart towards those we know and those we don’t.  Listen to understand.  May we be the ones that let people be seen, heard and loved.  We must put our love in action.  Rei