But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. I Thessalonians 3:6-10

The Apostle Paul was quite a letter writer (thank God). And in Paul’s letters to different individuals and groups of Christians, we have a treasure trove of examples for the living of our lives as followers of Jesus.

I love this part of I Thessalonians, and how it speaks to us about longing. Paul longed to check in on the faith of these friends in Christ. And as he sent Timothy to touch base with, Paul was reminded that they longed to see (and check up on him) as well. They were a source of joy to one another, and just being in one another’s presence was a grace filled experience.

We sometimes forget that we can provide that of joy for one another. That’s what we can get and as we meet with our Christian friends and family face to face.

Is there someone you have been longing to see? Maybe they have been longing for a face to face time with you too. Maybe.

Prayer

God, thank You for touching our souls with so many emotions. Make us open to how we might touch and be touched in our contact with Your other faithful followers of Christ our Lord. Amen.