1 Thessalonians 3:1-2
1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,
Why is there so much nail-biting in these verses? Paul says, “when we could bear it no longer…” twice in 5 verses. He’s got a concern for these people that is hard to pin down if it isn’t based on love. He doesn’t get any monetary value from them and his message is moving forward even without the testimony of the Thessalonians. So why the angst?
It does boil down to the way God motivates His missionaries. Paul felt an intense love for the people he served. The Christian mission doesn’t plod along through personal discipline or cut an impressive figure through proud arrogance. We are motivated by love. Love propels Christians across continents and cul-de-sacs. Who are you pursuing for God’s Kingdom through love today?
Prayer prompt: Lord, propel me to work with the vigor of Paul by teaching me to love people.