1 Thessalonians 3:6-8 - Vested in others

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,
7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
NASU


Thoughts:

I understand Paul's sentiment here (verse 8).  At all times we ought to naturally derive joy when we see others walking strongly in the Lord, but it is irresistible when it is someone in whose life you have a more personal investment.  Paul had evangelized and discipled the people in this church.  Therefore his connection to them was that much more intimate:  he knew them, personally (verse 6).

What a joy it is to see a brother or sister in the Lord that you helped through a hard time, or discipled when they were younger in the faith, or maybe even helped them come to Christ, to now see them walking strong.  What an encouragement and inspiration!  Truly this exhorts us on to want to do even more for the Lord.


Prayer:

Lord, thank You that You give to all of us a ministry to one another. 

Use me in the lives of others.  I don't have all the answers, but I can help someone.  Use me, today.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.