1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

We decided to stay behind in Athens alone, but when we could stand it no longer, we sent Timothy, our brother and servant of GOD for the gospel of CHRIST. We wanted him to make you strong, and to help your faith. We want no one to be disturbed by our afflictions, for you yourselves know that we are about our appointed task. When we were with you we foretold you that we would be persecuted. And now, as you know, it has happened. That is why I could wait no more and sent Timothy in order to know your faith, for fear that the tempter had tempted you and made our labor in vain. But now Timothy has returned to us and reported good news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us, and that you are longing to see us just as we long to see you. Brothers and sisters, we are encouraged in the midst of our affliction and distress, and comforted because of your faith. For now we live, if you stand firm in the LORD. We can neither thank GOD enough, nor ever repay him for all the joy we have before our GOD because of you. Night and day we earnestly pray that we may see your faces and supply anything missing in your faith. Now may our GOD and FATHER himself, and our LORD, JESUS CHRIST, prepare a way for us to come to you. And may the LORD make your love grow and overflow toward one another, and toward everyone, just as ours does toward you, so that he can make your hearts strong and blameless in holiness before our GOD and FATHER, when our LORD, JESUS, returns with all his saints.