1 Thessalonians 3: 1-8 (Paul to the Thessalonians)
That is why, when we could bear it no longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens and sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one be disturbed in these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For even when we were among you, we used to warn you in advance that we would undergo affliction, just as has happened, as you know. For this reason, when I too could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had put you to the test and our toil might come to nothing. But just now Timothy has returned to us from you, bringing us the good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us and long to see us as we long to see you. Because of this, we have been reassured about you, brothers, in our every distress and affliction, through your faith. For we now live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
This is the body of Christ working well - working out of love and out of selflessness and concern for each other! Paul and the other leaders had planted a church in Thessalonica and they were anxious that perhaps the hardships of persecution had caused them to give up faith. So they sent Timmy to check in on them and hear back that the Thessalonians have actually succeeded in keeping a strong community of faith and love! Paul is clearly overjoyed and relieved by this news. You can feel the deep concern and love in his letter to the people.
If you’ve ever experienced following a great leader - whether it was a pastor, a teacher, a coach or a youth minister - you know the great love that can be fostered between those individuals and their followers. If you have a leader who is blessing your life right now, this week give them a word of encouragement to help them know their community is being led well. And if there are leaders perhaps struggling around you, ask how you can help. Perhaps they’re overwhelmed or maybe they just have different strengths than what’s needed at the moment.
We are the SAME body of Christ that was established over 2000 years ago. The same Spirit that unified them is the exact same Spirit alive and well in our Church today! As Saint Teresa of Calcutta has said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” We are the body of Christ.