“The problems of the era [are] intensifying at the precise moment that the era [is] passing.”

- Mark Sayers

1 Thessalonians 1:5

. . . our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction

The Gospel is fueled by love.

1 Thessalonians 2:8

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Jesus, take what is of you in me, that this person needs, and give it to them. And give to me, what is you in them.

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.

John 16:33

. . . I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Hebrews 5:8

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 

Romans 5:3–4

. . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

1 Thessalonians 3:10-13

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Some suffering is given in order to chastise and correct a person for wrongful patterns of life (as in the case of Jonah imperiled by the storm), some suffering is given not to correct past wrongs but to prevent future ones (as in the case of Joseph sold into slavery), and some suffering has no purpose other than to lead a person to love God more ardently for himself alone and so discover the ultimate peace and freedom.

— Tim Keller