In 1 Thessalonians 3, we read that Paul was more concerned about his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica than for himself. Paul had warned them this would happen, “we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction”, but now that it had, Paul writes “I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain”.
Paul took comfort in seeing the faith of others, “in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” Paul also encourages them to grow and develop in their faith, “that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”
This is an aspect to faith we don’t often think about. Our faith and example can be encouraging and uplifting to others who are struggling. We can take the example of Paul, thanking others for their faith and example. So thankyou all! Your faith serves as a reminder of the great hope we share.