Paul has thanked God for the Thessalonians and their faith. Now he reveals his heart. Three qualities define God’s faithful shepherd:
Love: A relentless, joyful, sacrificial passion to help others win their necessary spiritual battle with suffering. 2:17–3:5
Paul’s passion is difficult to characterize, even more difficult to imitate. First, the urgency: “heart, eagerly, desire, wanted, glory, joy, bear.” Then, the reality: Suffering at the hands of God’s enemies is the believer’s destiny. Third, the priority: The will to overcome any and all obstacle to build into lives just because they matter. Finally, the dimension: the battle is not with people but for people against Satan. People and their spiritual well-being ARE the joy and reward for ministry.