1 Thessalonians 3

1We could not come to you, but it was very hard to wait any longer. So we decided that Silas and I, Paul would stay in Athens.

2Timothy will go to you. Timothy is a believer who works for God, preaching the Good News of Christ with us. Silas and I are sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.

3Silas and I are sending him because we did not want you to start doubting because of the troubles you are having now. You know that believers will suffer in this world.

4When we were with you, we told you that we would all have to suffer. And you know that it happened just as we said.

5I, Paul, could not wait any longer. I wanted to know how you were doing. That why I told Timothy to go and find out if your faith in Christ was still strong. I was afraid that the devil who tempts people might have defeated you with troubles. Then our hard work would have been wasted.

6Timothy has already come back from you and Timothy has given us the good news that your faith in God is good and your love for each other is strong. Timothy also said that you think of the good things when you remember us and you long to see us just as we long to see you.

7For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our trouble and suffering we have been comforted and greatly encouraged about you because of your faith.

8Your faith in the Lord is strong and that makes us feel good and alive.

9When we think of you, there are so many things that make us happy before our God. When we pray, we can not thank Him enough for what He has done for you.

10Night and day we continue praying with all our heart that we can come there and see you again. We want to give you everything you need to make your faith strong.

11We pray that our God and Father and our Lord Jesus will prepare the way for us to come to you.

12And pray that Lord will make your love to increase and overflow for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

13This will strengthen your desire to do what is right, and you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy people.