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Paul reminds the believers that his visit to Thessalonica was not a failure. Even after suffering and being treated shamefully before arriving, he boldly preached the Good News with the help of God despite great opposition. His message did not come from deceit, impurity, or trickery. He was not trying to please people, but God, who examines the heart.

Paul and his companions were never seeking praise or personal gain. Instead, they were gentle among the believers, like a mother caring for her own children. Because of their deep love, they shared not only the Good News but their very lives as well. Day and night they worked so they would not be a burden while preaching God’s message.

Paul reminds them that he treated them as a father treats his children—encouraging, comforting, and urging them to live lives worthy of God, who calls them into his Kingdom and glory. And when they received the message, they accepted it not as human words, but as the very word of God, which continues to work in those who believe.

The believers suffered persecution just as the churches in Judea had suffered. Yet through it all, Paul longed to see them again. Though separated physically, never in heart, he considered them his hope, his joy, and the crown in which he would glory when the Lord Jesus returns.

Unable to endure the separation any longer, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith so they would not be shaken by troubles and persecution. He reminded them that suffering had been expected, yet he still feared that the enemy might somehow weaken their faith and make his work useless.

But Timothy returned with good news. The believers remained strong in faith and love, always remembering Paul kindly and longing to see him just as much as he longed to see them. This report brought Paul comfort and renewed strength in the middle of his own suffering and hardship. “It gives us new life,” Paul says, “to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.”

So Paul overflows with thanksgiving and continues praying earnestly, asking God to bring them together again and make their love overflow more and more—for one another and for all people. He prays that God will make their hearts strong, blameless, and holy as they stand before the Father on the day when the Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people.

Verse of the Day: Galatians 4:4-5

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

Question of the Day:

Will you accept the invitation into the castle?