1 Thessalonians 3 reminds me of the old expression, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”. That is not usually the case. Absence can be unsettling. Without good communication, doubts creep in. More often than not, absence leads to broken hearts. Today’s lesson is about faithful unity. Paul begins by explaining how sad he was to leave so abruptly, and the pain of not knowing what happened to the new church in Thessalonica. They were on his mind and heart continuously, to the point that he “could stand it no longer”. Paul remained in Athens and “sent Timothy” to check on them. Timothy came “to strengthen and encourage” them in their faith. Paul knew they would be enticed by local suitors. Paul feared they might be “unsettled”, and their faith knowing they would be tested. Paul reminds us that all believers will face trials, “we are destined for them”. It is fair to say that anyone who upholds God’s standards of righteousness will face resistance; “we kept telling you that we would be persecuted”. Paul knows we all have weaknesses. “I was afraid… the tempter had tempted you”. Long distance relationships can be crushing when they fall apart. Paul feared that all of his “labors might have been in vain” and they had abandoned salvation. Paul’s concern was for their life, not his work. Waiting for news from Timothy must have been excruciating.
Next Paul gushes, “Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love”. You can hear the joy in his heart as he continues reliving the report he received; “that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us”. With delight, he adds, “we also long to see you”. Paul notes that his passion was reignited by their fidelity, “in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged… because of your faith”. We can feel the release of his emotion. “How can we thank God enough… for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?” Anxiety was replaced by anticipation; “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again”. He desires to motivate them even more. Unselfish love aspires for the best in others.
Paul closes with the prayer that he shares with his beloved. He knows there will be more trials ahead. He will fulfill his mission to continue to preach and teach. He wants to see them, but he will honor God first. “May our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you”. And Paul prays for their lives right where they are at present. “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else”. I think Paul recognizes the human tendency toward jealousy. During the early stages of puppy-love, new believers are open and unguarded. What happens after success or recognition? Churches and relationships divide because of resentment. We must be diligent to check our pride. Paul continues his prayer, “May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes”. Every one of us will fall short of perfection. Certainly, we should attempt to represent the righteousness of God, but Paul’s point is we cannot remain blameless unless we also remain in the presence of God. Jesus is preparing a place for us and will return for His Bride, the church. But He gave us a promise. He left His Spirit to comfort and teach, and we have His written Word. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). Friend, if you are being tempted by the Tempter, please reread the love notes that Jesus wrote. Long-distance relationships are difficult without good and regular communication. I am looking forward to a joyful reunion!