Welcome news about the condition of others, their progress and steadfastness

Have you ever been in a situation where you have had to wait for some important news? If so, you will have some idea of how the apostle Paul felt as we see him in this passage. Many people in Thessalonica had been coming to faith in Jesus Christ but he had to leave the city prematurely. He was anxious for the new Thessalonian believers because he knew their faith would be tested.

When Paul could wait for news of the beloved new believers no longer he sent Timothy to go and check on their progress. He received wonderful news back and his anxiety turned to joy. He said that ‘now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord’. This is a beautiful picture of how a believer can be affected by the faith of others. However, it does not and must not stop there.

Paul doesn’t just want to see them again but he wants to supply what is lacking in their faith. Spiritual children must be growing in faith. The biggest danger for a new convert is ignorance. Increasing love is the setting in which God strengthens hearts to become ‘blameless and holy’ in His presence. What about those outside the church? The grace of the gospel is, through repentance and faith in Jesus, sufficient for every nation, tribe and tongue … everyone.