Check in on Your People!

Verse: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Devotion
When my son was a toddler we worried that he wouldn’t ever learn to be a decent human being. We spent a lot of time teaching him thoughtfulness, empathy, and kindness so that he wouldn’t continue being an awful little tyrant. Thankfully it worked, and he’s perfect now!

We have the benefit of not being locked away in jail so that we can see him, continue pouring into him, and praying for him each day, but Paul didn’t have that luxury with the Thessalonians. He had poured himself into them to teach them the ways Jesus wants us to live, and was freaking out, worried they’d lost their way, so he sent his buddy Timothy to check up on them and help.

I really love that Paul sends Timothy to help the Thessalonians because he knows they’re going to be persecuted and go through a really rough time. We could do the same when we know our family and friends are going to go through something tough,
especially in growing seasons.

Check in on your people!

Prayer
God, show me who needs some help and encouragement today.