1Th 2:19 - 3:3 "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?  For you are our glory and joy. Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this." 


Our hope and joy, yes the crowning achievement to present to the Lord at His second coming, is others who have heard and responded to the good news of Jesus Christ first coming and dying. He came to redeem those who believe on Him. So what was a concern was that you would see our afflictions and persecution as a reason for not believing the message. You do know though, that being redeemed doesn't exempt you from being persecuted. In fact, belief in Christ's love brings with it the destiny of sharing in His suffering. The Absolute Love of God is the smell of death to those who don't believe. 


2Co 2:15, 16  "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" 

This is what we told you before, when we were with you. We were meant destined to suffer and so it was no surprise. So I was fearful that the tempter, he is a great accuser and liar, would convince you that it was Christ who had been defeated. He loves to make us think we are wrong, or weak, or ineffective. Now I am so glad to hear of your strong faith that is demonstrated in love. The reports of you are very comforting, giving us strength and boldness. 

1Th 3:4- 7  "For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you-- for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith." 

For now we live and are strengthened by you steadfast love in the Lord. We are so thankful and filled with joy over what God is doing through you. Our prayers are constantly reflecting to God our desire to see you and return the strength you have given us back to you. 

1Th 3:8- 10  "For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?" 

Now we are asking God, our Father and our Lord- Commander Jesus- to direct our way back to see you. In the mean time we ask that His Absolute Love increase and pour over through you, to one another and beyond. It is in His Love flowing into you and through you that your hearts become blameless before God the Father and you be made separate as His adopted children. This is the hope of our faith and the belief of our hearts that we will be found in Him at the second coming of the Lord Jesus. This is true for all who are called out and separated unto Him in faith. 

1Th 3:11 - 12 "Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints."