How Far Are We Willing to Go?
Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. -1 Thessalonians 3.1-3
This blew me away. This is from one of Paul’s letters to the church of Thessalonica. He is describing his longing for these people that he has visited, told them the gospel and ways of living, and has had to leave. What amazes me is how much he cares about these people. He says that he prays for them everyday. He says that it hurts him to not be able to know how they are doing with their walk with Christ. Paul wants to visit them so bad, but he can’t. So he sends Timothy, a close friend, to go on his behalf. Paul loves these people so much that he will literally do anything to get in touch with them. He wants to be able to encourage them and push them forward in their faith.
I wish I had these kind of relationships. There are a ton people who I care about deeply and want to see them live a fulfilling and exciting life with God. Some of them aren’t doing good, and I know it. I want to help them.. but how far am I willing to go? Paul sent Timothy probably a hundred miles away to visit the people he wanted to reach and help. I have a hard time driving 20 minutes to reach these people. Paul prayed for these people everyday. I used to pray for those I wanted to meet Jesus consistently, everyday. But somewhere down the line I stopped. Is it because I don’t care anymore? Is it because I’m lazy?
If I care for people this much, I need to take action. I need to do whatever it takes in order to encourage and lift up those that need encouragement and lifting up. I don’t want them to miss out on what could be. I’m going to take after Paul in this aspect, and do whatever I can to heal the brokenhearted and to push forward the faith of my friends.
