| 3:1 | So when we couldn't stand being separated from you any longer and could find no way to visit you ourselves, we stayed in Athens |
| 3:2 | and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn't be discouraged by these hard times. He's a brother and companion in the faith, God's man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ. |
| 3:3 | Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing. It's part of our calling. |
| 3:4 | When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it's happened, you know what it's like. |
| 3:5 | That's why I couldn't quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn't want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together. |
| 3:6 | But now that Timothy is back, bringing this terrific report on your faith and love, we feel a lot better. It's especially gratifying to know that you continue to think well of us, and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you! |
| 3:7 | In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you're doing keeps us going. |
| 3:8 | Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive. |
| 3:9 | What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? |
| 3:10 | We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters. |
| 3:11 | May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! |
| 3:12 | And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. |
| 3:13 | May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers. |
1 Tesalonika 3 - The Message Bible
