1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is,  the word of God,  which also works effectively in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea,  since you have also suffered  the same things from people of your own country,  just as they did from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus  and the prophets and persecuted us.  They displease God and are hostile to everyone, by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit,  and wrath has overtaken them at last.  But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you  for a short time (in person, not in heart  ), we greatly desired and made every effort to return  and see you face to face. So we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan  hindered us. For who is our hope or joy  or crown  of boasting  in the presence of our Lord  Jesus at his coming?  Is it not you?  Indeed you are our glory  and joy!