The Apostle Paul says to follow him as he follows Jesus. When Paul (then known as Saul) became a Christian, his priorities were radically changed. People matter to Jesus. People matter to Paul.
Paul had a deep concern for people (2 Cor 11:28). He was even willing for himself to be cut off from Christ for the sake of others (Romans 9:3-4)! 1 Thessalonians is a book where Paul’s love and passion for people is clearly evident.
The language Paul uses in 1 Thess 2:17-3:13 shows something of his affection for people:
Chapter 2
- V17 – torn away in person but not in thought
- V17 – intense longing… made every effort to see you
- V18 – we wanted to come to you
- V19-20 – they are his joy and crown
Chapter 3
- V1 – could stand it no longer
- V5 – could stand it no longer
- V6 – long to see you
- V8 – now we really live
- V9 – joy and thankfulness because of them
- V10 – praying constantly
- V12 – love overflows for them
He was so concerned for them that he had to hear how they were going in the Lord – sending Timothy meant that he could encourage them and hear how they were going.
The things that Paul prays for, in 1 Thess 3:9-13, show his passion for people:
- V9 – he’s expresses his joy to God for them
- V10 – his earnestness and desire to encourage them in their faith
- V11 – he prays that God would make it possible to meet
Paul’s example is a great encouragement in loving and being passionate about people.
A warm fuzzy if you can guess the above pic. A bonus 3 warm fuzzies for the “why” behind the pic.
(c) The basis of this series will soon be copyright Scripture Union NSW
Also along these lines, Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians 7:3 have always struck me:
‘I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.’
This is especially amazing when you consider what the Corinthians were like. We probably would have written them off as spiritual no-hopers but Paul’s love is strong and hopeful.
good observation about the corinthians.
it’s easy to love the lovable, but the unlovely…