6 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—7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Timothy had returned to Paul and Silas with the good news of the Thessalonians church’s faith and love as well as their longing to see Paul again. Knowing that the church was doing well was a great source of comfort to Paul as he and Silas endured the persecution they were facing. Paul gave his life for the gospel and now felt that his life was fuller because the believers were standing fast in their faith in the Lord. They continued to pray earnestly for the opportunity to return and continue teaching them to “supply what was lacking in their faith.” This does not mean there was some deficiency in their belief in Jesus for their salvation. There is always much to learn about God. The more we learn about Him, the greater our faith will grow. Paul wanted to be there to teach them more so their faith would grow. If you feel your faith is lacking then you need to spend more time in the Word and make sure you are sitting under good Bible teaching.
Paul continued to pray that they would have the opportunity to return to Thessalonica. He also prayed that they would increase in their love for each other and for those around them just as Paul had expressed his deep love for them. He prayed that they would be found blameless and holy when Christ returns. Growth in love for one another means we are quick to repent and forgive resulting in living a blameless life. Love for God means we separate ourselves from sin and sinful habits and live for Him. Both of these will result in us being well received and rewarded when Christ returns.