Witness & Encouragement

1Thessalonians 3:6-8 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith; for now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

One of our lots as priests is to leave communities of faith to which we have become attached and in the same way the many wonderful people that fill those communities. In this modern world I realize that this is not just the reality of the clergy. I quite frequently hear of troubles or difficulties in the lives of former parishioners, and I pray for them even when I may not have complete information. I can so identify with Paul when Timothy returns with news that reassures him about the community in Thessalonica. I do get more information sooner than Paul because with some of those people and communities, but we also have Facebook and other instant communication. I hate to hear about trouble in peoples lives, but I love to hear how they meet them with faith. We encourage one another so much when we live out our faith in trying times and let others walk with us in faith through the journey. I thank God for all you saints who share your lives as you follow Christ through the ups and down, the highs and lows and still display your witness to our Lord.