How Christians Care

Sunday, November 1, 2026
Jojo Ma

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you --- I, Paul, again and again --- but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Scripture reminds us that God created humans for relationships --- first and foremost with Him but also with others.

I. Christians care by being with one another
II. Christians care by building up one another

I Christians care by being with one another
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you.

Acts 17:5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Phil 1:8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

2 Tim. 1:4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

Acts 20:36-38 And when [Paul] had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again.

Do you long to be with your church each and every Lord’s Day, face to face? Does it pain you to miss the church gathering each Lord’s Day or is it no big deal?

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you.

18 because we wanted to come to you --- I, Paul, again and again --- but Satan hindered us.

I’ve often felt that Satan does his best work on Sunday mornings when God’s people gather to love and worship their Savior.

We are stronger together, we are weaker alone, we are more vulnerable by ourselves. So let us, in the words of the apostle, endeavor the more eagerly and with great desire to see one anotherface to face.

II Christians care by building up one another
1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith.

3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Acts 14:21-22 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

2 Tim 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

I promise you this: Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. Jesus Christ is Lord --- make sure he is your hope in life and death.

Church, invest in one another, make this a top priority in your life. Don’t take this local assembly of the Lord’s people for granted.