The Power of a Good Report

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 3:4-6: ⁴In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. ⁵For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. ⁶But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.

Reflection: As we saw yesterday, Paul was in Athens when he sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Paul himself was being persecuted – literally being followed from town to town by people trying to stop him from preaching.

In the midst of that, he found himself worrying about the Thessalonians. Were they facing persecution? Where they standing firm or were they giving into the temptation to give up? So he sent Timothy to see them. And Timothy brought back good news. I can feel some of the lift that brought to Paul.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling discouraged, I begin wondering if anyone is standing firm. Has anything I’ve done made any difference? I’ll start convincing myself that what we’re about as Christian people is a waste of time – a lost cause. I’ll start thinking everyone else feels the same way. If I’m not careful, I’ll let myself begin spiraling down deeper into despair.

In those times, I need to hear from other believers. I need a good report from them. That is encouraging to me and refreshing for my spirit. As the old song says, “Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work’s in vain; but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.” Lord, thank you for the ways you refresh me and lift me up. Thank you for the wider community of faith in which I live. Remind me that even when I’m feeling down others are staying strong. Thank you for the strength I receive from their strength.