The return of Christ is in every chapter of Paul’s short letter to the Thessalonians (1v10, 2v19, 3v13, 4v16, 5v2). The return of Christ changes how we live in the present. Paul is so thankful that the Thessalonians turned from idols to the living God, trusting in Jesus’ death on their behalf (1:9-10). He had done his best to prepare them for living the Christian life, warning them that things would be hard (3:4), but then he got torn away from them (2:17). Now he’s so concerned about how they are getting on in their faith. He longs that they are keeping going in their faith, so that on the day of Christ they will rejoice together. But he’s concerned that perhaps they will be deceived and give up on following Jesus.
In the first Century he couldn’t just send a WhatsApp, so he sent Timothy (3:2) to find out how they are getting on. He’s so pleased to hear back, that they are keeping going! Their lives are still marked by faith and love (3:6). He’s so thankful and it leads him to pray all the more for them to be holy and ready for Christ’s return (3:13).
Paul’s loving care for his fellow Christians is a challenge. We need to love one another like this, to be caring for one another. Are you prayerfully concerned for your fellow Christians that they are living for Jesus, growing in love and holiness? There are so many challenges in the Christian life, and one of the ways that God keeps us going is by giving us fellow Christians. So make sure you are being encouraged by other Christians, and that you are encouraging other Christians to keep going. It goes without saying that you need to be a part of a church where this is happening.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you don’t expect us to walk the Christian walk on our own. Thank-you for giving us fellow Christians. Please help us to encourage one another to keep going, please may we be encouraged to have blameless hearts and to be eagerly expecting the return of your Son.
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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