1Th 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

In this letter to the church at Thessalonica, we see Paul’s deep feelings he had towards the Thessalonians after he had left them. Though the time they had spent together was very short, but they had already forged a close relationship with one another.

Paul felt for his churches. It was with pain he absented himself from them. He wished to return and see them again but was hindered many times from going there (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). But Paul never ceased to ask and enquire about them. The good news he received through Timothy about their faith, love and steadfastness brought much comfort to the apostle.

Paul’s affection for the young churches he had planted is a lesson for all supporting churches. Whilst we support foreign preachers to preach, do we show the same affection for the work and the churches they are working with?

Paul was eager to visit the churches he had established so that he could comfort them amid the storm of persecution that swept over them. Paul’s first concern was the spiritual growth and safety of the saints. He prayed day and night for them. Do we pray daily for the churches under our support?

The Scripture says that Christ loved the church and He sanctified it that He may present it a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27). It is the same desire that Paul had for the Church at Thessalonica. He wrote: “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).

It is my heart’s desire that the missions we are supporting continue to grow and are strong in the faith and love. I want to see them becoming self-supporting so that in time to come, they can also support and send out preachers to preach in other places.

It was Paul’s desire to see the Thessalonians for their further benefit. "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith" (verse 10).

The phrase, “perfect that which is lacking”, implies imperfection. Paul had praised them for their work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). But it doesn’t mean they were perfect. Even the Thessalonians had points in which they needed improvement.

The biggest room in this world is the room for improvement. The word growth suggests imperfection now. Hence, the Christian must realise his imperfections and that he needs to grow towards spiritual maturity (2 Peter 3:18). Do you know what is lacking in your faith?

Paul prayed for spiritual growth and maturity for the Thessalonians. He was concerned for their growth, health, and spiritual maturity. Likewise, God desires that we love the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17). It implies showing love and concern for their faith and welfare.

As we wish that our own congregation grow from strength to strength, let us also pray that our foreign missions also grow in faith and maturity. Let us have the same earnest love and concern for our brethren overseas.

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

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