The final element of Paul's relationship to the local church is the most important. It is the sum of all matters. Paul focused on the spiritual attribute of his relationship with the Christians in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-12 displays the epitome of what a Christian's prayer for his brethren should look like.

Paul requested that the Father and the Son would direct the brethren. He also desired that they increase and abound in love for one another so as to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God. Paul prayed for them always (1Th 1.2) and no doubt desired the same thing to be done for him, because he was a fellow laborer with them (1Th 2.9). Paul was genuinely concerned with the brethren's faith (1Th 3.5) and remembered their importance in the sight of God (1Th 1.4-5a) and no doubt was proud of their righteousness (1Th 2.19).

We as members of the body of Christ must also be concerned with more than the temporal well-being of our brethren but should desire for their faith to grow and be proud when it does. In the end Paul reaffirmed his ultimate role as an evangelist (1Th 2.1-4) and reaffirmed his ultimate goal as an evangelist (1Th 2.5-8). By preaching the Word (1Th 2.13), strengthening the brethren in the traditions (2Th 2.15) and supplying what was lacking in their faith (1Th 3.10) he was able to prepare them for trials that were sure to come (2Th 2.1-5).

Let your light shine!