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LIKE A DEAR FRIEND
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 19
1 Thessalonians 2:8

1 Thessalonians 3

 

“…so being affectionately

desirous of you.”

 

LIKE A DEAR FRIEND
 
A second picture that Paul used to describe the relationship he shared with the Thessalonian Christians was that of a dear friend. This bond was clearly evident in how he spoke of being “affectionately desirous” (1 Thess 2:8) of them. This is a very tender way to describe a strong yearning and longing for them. Despite having only spent three sabbaths there (before he had to flee because of persecution), he had quickly established a close and heartfelt bond with the new converts and told them, “Ye were dear unto us.” In the months following his departure, he continued to be deeply concerned for their spiritual well-being. He tried to return but his plans were thwarted by Satan (1 Thess 2:17-18). He then sent Timothy in his stead to follow up on them and encourage them in the Lord (1 Thess 3:1-5). In the meantime, he also continued to pray ceaselessly for them (1 Thess 3:9-13).
 
This dear friendship was reciprocated. Timothy reported that they “have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you” (1 Thess 3:6). They too yearned to reunite with Paul and rekindle the warm fellowship that they had previously experienced.
 
The only reason they were able to share such a strong friendship was their bond in Christ. It was not common interests or similar personalities that brought them together. Neither was it because they had spent quality time together or faced common trials together that bonded them. It simply was because of Christ. Through Christ alone are all believers drawn together as one. We have the same worldview, same purpose in life, same Lord that we serve.
 
Is this our heart too when we serve one another? As we become involved in the lives of the people whom we serve, and serve alongside, we care for them and become “affectionately desirous” of them. Do we have such a longing and desire for the people we are serving with?
 
THOUGHT: Do I become friends only with people I like? And do I care about people because they are my friends?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou help me to show love and care to all the people around me.

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