In reading 1 Thessalonians 3 this morning, I was struck by a tone to the words that I’m not sure I’ve heard so clearly before. By now, if you’ve been reading along, you might be asking: Paul… is there a point coming, or is the point that there’s no point?
Three chapters in, and we’ve had gratitude, affection, longing, a short trip down memory lane, and now … an update about Timothy and his travel report. “I sent Timothy… he came back… he told me how you’re doing…” You can picture someone skimming it and thinking, “Well, that’s nice, but where is this going?”
And then it sneaks up on you. Paul admits something unexpected: he needs them. Paul is going through a time of distress, a time of “persecution.” He doesn’t share details, but he’s where that tone I was talking about sneaks into his letter.
“For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.” “I was afraid.” “Timothy has told me that you remember me.” “I long to see you.” “During my distress and persecution, I have been encouraged by you.” “But now… we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” “How can I thank God enough for you?”
Paul isn’t just checking in on them and encouraging them. Paul is letting them know that he needs them. Paul, the bold missionary, the tireless preacher, the one who seems to have endless spiritual stamina, is saying: Your faithfulness is helping me keep going. That’s a little surprising.
We tend to imagine faith as a one-way street: the strong encourage the weak, the leaders strengthen the followers, the “Pauls” help the “Thessalonians.” But here, the direction flows both ways. Their faith becomes his encouragement. Their steadiness becomes his strength.
And maybe that’s the quiet truth tucked into this chapter: Faith isn’t meant to be carried alone. There are seasons when you are the encourager, and there are seasons when you need to be encouraged. There are days when you are the one sending the message, checking in, and holding others up. And there are days when you need the support of others simply to hold it together.
There’s something freeing about that honesty. It reminds us that needing encouragement isn’t a failure of faith—it’s part of it.
It also reframes how we see our own faithfulness. You may think your steady, ordinary trust in God goes unnoticed. But somewhere, someone might be quietly strengthened because you’re still standing.
Paul says, in essence: Your faith helped me breathe again. That’s no small thing. So, maybe Paul still hasn’t “gotten to the point” of his letter in the way we expect. But, on the other hand, perhaps this is the point: Your life of faith matters more than you realize—not just to God, but to others walking the same road.
And to keep the humor alive, can’t you imagine the Thessalonians reading this and saying, “Wait… we thought you were the apostle. Turns out, we’re helping you?” Apparently, yes. That’s how the body of Christ works. Mutual, surprising, grace-filled encouragement.
Prayer: Faithful God, thank you for the ways we strengthen and encourage one another, often without realizing it. In moments when I feel weary or uncertain, remind me that I’m not alone. Strengthen my faith so that I might offer strength to others. And remind me that it’s ok to seek encouragement and strength from others when I need it, trusting that you are at work in all of us. Amen.
