Thoughts for the Day

But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

For those who have children (or teachers with students perhaps) they will know that they never relinquish their care for their offspring. My two "boys" are in their 40's and capable of sorting out the world never mind their own families, but that doesn't stop me being concerned when things go wrong, or when they need some help. The parental instinct doesn't just stop because they have their own children!

Paul was in Athens when he sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Like a parent concerned for his children, he desperately wanted to know how the Thessalonians were doing, since he had only been able to stay for less than 4 weeks before having to flee from the opposition (Acts 17.1-10). Had their conversion borne fruit, despite the persecution from those who sought to stifle the work of the Apostle, that was the question? So Paul had sent Timothy his most trusted co-worker to encourage and support them.

This passage of scripture from 1 Thessalonians can help remind us all (not just our church leaders) of how we are to relate to other Christians in our church and the wider world.

• We see Paul's affection for these Christians.
• We see his joy at the way their faith has stayed strong despite their trials.
• We see his continuous prayer for them.

Father-God,
we thank You for the affection that Paul
showed to the new Christians in Thessalonica,
and for the loving oversight he gave to new churches.
May we too learn to give such care to other Christians,
sharing in their joy when they overcome difficulties,
and praying for them in times of tribulation.
Then might we build a united community
and collectively move forward in faith together.
Amen.