“for now, we really live if you stand firm in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8)
It is hard to read these words and not see the connection Paul had with those he taught. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians practically drips with his affection and earnest concern for the people of Thessalonica. He speaks of barely being able to endure waiting to hear of their well-being (3:1), of giving thanks for them always in his prayers (1:2), and rejoicing that they had turned to God from idols (1:9). Would it surprise you that Paul had known these people for little more than a month? Read Acts 18, and you will see that Paul was driven out of Thessalonica very quickly.
Paul’s affection for them wasn’t created by quantity of time but by the quality of his heart and the shared connection they had through Jesus. When Christians meet, they are instantly family – the common bond of the Savior can knit strong bonds quite quickly. What a gift! God is very good to His people. There is much to rejoice over in the family He has sanctified through His Son.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites