For 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 had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
But 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.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
I Thessalonians 3:5–8
The Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church after being present with them for less than one month. He had been separated from them unexpectedly and longed to know how they were doing. In fact, he was so concerned that he sent Timothy to check in.
Why? Because he was worried that hardship, temptation, and persecution had shaken their faith.
But Timothy, as we read here, returned with good news! Their faith and love had not only endured—it had grown stronger.
And Paul responds with one of the most beautiful expressions in all his letters:
“Now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.”
That phrase has stayed with me. Now we really live. What an incredible thing to say. Paul, who was still facing hardship and persecution of his own, found strength, hope, and even life in hearing of the Thessalonians’ steadfast faith.
To me, this verse is a powerful reminder that our faith doesn’t just affect us—it encourages others. Sometimes we imagine that our quiet obedience or steady trust in God is hidden or unnoticed. But Scripture tells a different story.
Your faith matters.
When you hold fast to God through the storms…
When you walk with integrity when no one else does…
When you love generously and serve faithfully…
When you fight for unity in a divided world…
When you remain rooted in Christ, even in difficulty…
You strengthen and encourage others—even when you don’t realize it.
So today, let this truth encourage you: You never know who is being strengthened by your faith.
Someone may be watching. Someone may be struggling. Someone may be doubting. In this case, it was Paul himself—the writer of most of the New Testament—who found new life and encouragement from the faithfulness of the church.
Your example might be exactly what gives others courage to keep going.
Stand firm. Keep believing. And keep loving.
Because your faith is never wasted—and it’s often inspiring more people than you know.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of others and the encouragement we receive from one another’s faith. Help me to see examples around me who encourage me. And help me to stand firm today in my faith, love, and obedience that my life may point others to you—even when I don’t see the impact. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.