1 Thessalonians 2:14-20

Brothers, you became imitators of the churches of GOD in CHRIST JESUS in the land of Judea, for your own countrymen make you suffer in the same way that the Judeans make them suffer. They killed the LORD JESUS and the prophets. They drove us out. They are not pleasing GOD and they are contrary to everyone. They tried to stop us from talking to the Gentiles which would keep them from being saved. Their sins continue to pile up. But wrath has finally come upon them. But we, brothers and sisters, having been torn from you for a short time, in person, not in heart, endeavoured all the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face. We wanted to come to you, and I, Paul, more than once tried, but satan hindered us. What are we hoping for? What would make us rejoice? It is the crown of our rejoicing before the coming of the LORD JESUS. It is you. You are our glory. You are our joy.