Love and concern

How concerned are you about the faith of your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Have you ever stopped to think about it? I am so convicted about this after reading Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. You see, he had taken the gospel of Jesus there and many became believers. He stayed there for awhile with them but when he had to move on, his love and concern for their growth in the faith never waned. As he was being persecuted and put in prison, he would pray for them daily and not knowing how they were holding up under persecution themselves weighed heavy on his heart. Unable to get to them he finally sent Timothy to check on them. Communication was slow in those days. No phones or computers. Letters or word of mouth that could take weeks and months were there only way to communicate. Finally, Timothy returns with good news. Paul’s relief oozes from the page. Listen to what he says: For now we really live since you are standing firm in the Lord!
His concern for them was so deep it was like life stopped until he found out!! Have you ever been that concerned about someone’s faith? I’m ashamed of myself because I’m not sure I have. Not to that level. I should be. I can’t express enough how important fellowship amongst believers really is. We take for granted in our busy lives that we will see each other soon. Because of that we fail to concern ourselves with how each other are really doing in our faith. We never share our struggles with each other, especially sin issues, because we might not seem like we’ve got it all together. It’s that “perfect image” we put on Facebook and instagram that keeps us from being real with each other and we have become numb to each other’s true well being!! None of us have it all together if we are honest. We need each other because without fellowship and true prayers for each other we are a hot mess!! Let’s take a lesson from Paul and make each other a priority!! Thank you God for the reminders from your word of where we can do better. Help us to live each other better!

Love you! Have a good day