1 Thessalonians 3:1-11

Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens.  And we sent Timothy,  our brother and God’s coworker  in the gospel of Christ,  to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, so that no one will be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, and as you know, it happened. For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing. But now Timothy has come to us  from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you.  Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith. For now we live, if you stand firm  in the Lord. How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy  we experience before our God because of you, as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face  and to complete what is lacking in your faith?  Now may our God and Father  himself, and our Lord Jesus,  direct our way to you.