The Joy of Hearing Good News

“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

Everyone loves to hear good news. Maybe it is news of a new job, the birth of a child, or an answered prayer. Solomon wrote a similar thought in Proverbs 25:25, saying, “Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.” Paul experienced this type of joy from hearing good news about the Thessalonians. In this section of 1 Thessalonians, Paul’s heart for the believers burst forth knowing how they were doing. Despite the distress and affliction, their firmness of faith brought joy.

In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Paul indicated that because of his deep love for them, he sent Timothy to see how they were doing. So, what did Timothy report to Paul after visiting them? The report indicated three key things as described in verses 6-8. First, that they continued in both faith in the Lord and love for others. Second, they still thought kindly of Paul and the missionaries despite the difficult circumstances. Third, much like Paul, they longed to see him again one day. This pictures a group of believers that remained just as Paul had left them, not allowing the negative circumstances to deter their walk with the Lord.

“The persecutions had not knocked them off the walk of faith and their continuing service to God and others.”[1] 

Upon hearing the good report from Timothy, Paul quickly reflects on the impact it had on all of them. The good news brought comfort to replace the anxiety over their condition. Comfort (parakaléō) refers to the good news being a help, aid, and encouragement. Finally, Paul said that he could really live knowing their condition. In other words, Paul could return to the work of ministry knowing their condition. What a beautiful reminder that Paul cared not only about communicating eternal truth but also about the people that heard and received it.

“In the Bible, men who really served God had a heart for the needs of souls. Too often in our modern life our theology is in one compartment, and our heart is in another.”[2]

Hearing good news of the steadfast faith of others should bring joy to our hearts. Good news brings encouragement that strengthens weary hearts, especially knowing that the Lord still works in difficult situations. Negative circumstances should not alter our walk with Christ. The next time you hear good news like this, take time to rejoice. May we treasure such good news in a world that often seems filled with bad news.

Lord, thank you that joy comes in hearing the good news of others’ walk of faith with You. Often the world seems filled with bad news. Help me to find joy in the good news related to the Lord Jesus and the impact it makes on others. Amen.

[1] Mike Stallard. 1 & 2 Thessalonians, pg. 50.

[2] John Walvoord. The Thessalonians Epistles, pg. 49.