“Therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.”
– 1 Thessalonians 3:7
Exposition:
We have often been in distress because we live in a fallen world, we all
need strength in affliction. Sometimes we have suffered because of our actions,
other times because of others, and yet there are times because of the schemes
of the devil. The affliction of Paul mentioned in the book of Thessalonians is
caused by Satan; he stirred up false accusation and persecution and hindered
him from coming back to Thessalonica. Paul was forced out from Thessalonica by
the commotion of jealous Jews. He was slandered and the church was persecuted.
Paul was in deep distress for Thessalonian Christians.
Students may be stressful before the exam, but they rejoice at the news of
their successful exam. Employees find the joy of earning a salary in serving
others. What is the joy of a pastor? As we see in this verse, for Paul (as for
Apostle John also) it is news that his spiritual children are walking in the
faith. Thessalonians were not shaken even amidst persecution. They did not
doubt Paul, their spiritual father, notwithstanding the false accusation
against him. They were loyal to him, clinging to the Gospel, and steadfastly to
the faith. This news came to Paul as a great comfort when he could no longer
endure his distress for them.
Pastors find great comfort in seeing the members of the Church grow in
faith, for it assures them that their work is not in vain. God gives church
pastors for the establishing of the saints in the faith, so that all may mature
and not be swayed by any wind of doctrine. Would we often share with our
spiritual leaders about our growth in the Lord?
Personal Reflection:
- Am I more preoccupied with my suffering than the
spiritual growth of my church members?
- Am I loyal to my spiritual leaders and my church
when any false accusation comes up against us?
Personal Commitment:
- To be diligent to know the state of _____ (fellow
Christians, church members, household of faith) and to attend to their
needs.
Prayer:
Lord, help me be diligent in looking after your people in delight. Cause me
to let their trouble be my trouble to let their spiritual growth be my joy and
crown in your presence, like Your Apostle Paul, Amen!