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FRIENDSHIP RECIPROCATED
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
1 Thessalonians 3:5-6

Acts 20:36-38

 

“…desiring greatly to see us,

as we also to see you.”

 

FRIENDSHIP RECIPROCATED
 
Paul cared deeply for the Thessalonian Christians. His concerns were so strong that he was content to be left alone, and sent Timothy to check in on them and encourage them in the faith. Then Timothy returned with good news of their faith and charity, and that they remembered Paul fondly, desiring to see him as much as he of them. This must have brought great delight and relief to Paul. It made the sacrifice of sending Timothy worth it. It is indeed so heart-warming to see the friendship between Paul and the Thessalonian Christians. The mutual love and concern that they had for one another was made possible only through the bonds of Christ.
 
As we know, friendship ought to be a two-way street. The affections, care and concern that true friends have for each other must run both ways. Seeing how Paul was so invested in the spiritual well-being of the Thessalonian Christians, it would have been a very sad and ungrateful response if that friendship was unrequited. Thankfully, that was not the case. The Thessalonians were indeed very grateful for the ministry of Paul in their midst and longed for him to return.
 
True friendship can blossom only if the friendship is reciprocated. Both sides must exhibit love and spiritual concern one for another. The friendship can thrive only if there is an active desire to support and encourage each other in the Lord, and each would selflessly and lovingly be willing to give of themselves for the spiritual benefit of the other.
 
If you have a friend, or perhaps a church leader who cares about your spiritual state, and is willing to put in the time and effort to meet you to help you, guide you, follow up with you, will you be happy to reciprocate? Or do you sometimes push away those who could have been true friends, and prefer instead to revel in your worldly friends who do nothing to draw you closer to the Lord?
 
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 27:9.)
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the friendships that Thou hast brought into my life. May Thou teach me to be a good friend to those around me.

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