Partner in Christ

St. Paul really wanted to know how the community was doing. He sent Timothy to strengthen them and to comfort them. We see here St. Pauls humility. He describes Timothy as his brother and Gods servant.

Although St. Paul was Timothys spiritual father, he did not treat Timothy as a subordinate. He treated him as a brother - as an equal. He also described Timothy in the same way as he described himself - Gods servant in the Good News of Christ.

In the vineyard of the Lord, we should treat everyone as equal. Although yes, there has to be some structure to provide order, in the end, everyone is called to preach the good news. No one is better than the other. Everyone has their role and their way. There is no room for envy because envy causes chaos rather than unity.

Comfort Others

Paul also described Timothys role: to comfort you concerning your faith; that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. We are all called to bring comfort concerning our faith - in the midst of afflictions. This is everyones role. We cannot call ourselves Christians if we cannot comfort others in their faith.

St. Paul said afflictions are to be expected in faith. When we believe in Jesus, expect difficulties and sufferings. St. Paul was so concerned about the Thessalonians, he sent Timothy to check on them. St. Pauls concern was the faith of the community. He found comfort also when Timothy returned and brought news of the communitys faith.

The knowledge that the Thessalonians were steadfast in their faith comforted Paul. This shows the reciprocal role of Christians. Our pastors look after our spiritual welfare. Our response should be to live in faithfulness. It is very sad when I hear of communities that cause problems to their pastors. Communities that would not obey the teachings of the Church. In doing so, they are not living their faith.

Instead of giving comfort to their pastors, they give their pastors grief. A Christians life is already full of difficulties, most especially the life of a pastor. Our responsibility to them is to comfort them also and not to give them more problems.

This also shows how children are to act to their parents. By living their lives in faith, they give joy and comfort to their parents.

Growing in Love

St. Paul was so happy about the news, he could not thank God enough for the faith of the Thessalonians. Even with this, St. Paul looked forward to seeing the Thessalonians. He was night and day, praying exceedingly, that we may see your face.

St. Paul prayed, the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. This is our goal. We should grow in love towards others. God is the one who justifies us. Our holiness is Gods work. We cannot be holy without Gods grace.