1Thessalonians:3

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* So when we could endure it no longer , we decided to remain behind in Athens alone ; * and sent Timothy our brother and God 's minister in the service of Christ 's Good News , that he might help you spiritually and encourage you in your faith ; * that none of you might be unnerved by your present trials : for you yourselves know that they are our appointed lot . * For even when we were with you , we forewarned you , saying , »We are soon to suffer affliction ;« and this actually happened , as you well know . * For this reason I also , when I could no longer endure the uncertainty , sent to know the condition of your faith , lest perchance the Tempter might have tempted you and our labour have been lost . * But now that Timothy has recently come back to us from you , and has brought us the happy tidings of your faith and love , and has told us how you still cherish a constant and affectionate recollection of us , and are longing to see us as we also long to see you – * for this reason in our distress and trouble we have been comforted about you , brethren , by your faith . * For now life is for us life indeed , since you are standing fast in the Lord . * For what thanksgiving on your behalf can we possibly offer to God in return for all the joy which fills our souls before our God for you , * while night and day , with intense earnestness , we pray that we may see your faces , and may bring to perfection whatever may be still lacking in your faith ? * But may our God and Father Himself –and our Lord Jesus – guide us on our way to you ; * and as for you , may the Lord teach you to love one another and all men , with a growing and a glowing love , resembling our love for you . * Thus He will build up your characters , so that you will be faultlessly holy in the presence of our God and Father at the Coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones .

---