Keep Showing Up for One Another
Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13
Introduction:
When I was a child, one of the hardest things to grasp was the idea that someone could love you deeply and yet not always be physically present. I remember my dad occasionally traveling for work or ministry, and though I knew he loved us and was committed to our family, his absence could still leave me wondering. It wasn’t about distrust—it was just the ache of not seeing the face you depend on, or hearing the voice you draw strength from.
As a pastor now, I’ve realized that same tension exists in spiritual relationships. Sometimes, people feel forgotten. Even in churches that are full on Sundays, there are individuals quietly asking, “Does anyone notice I’m struggling? Does anyone really care that I’m not there?”
And it’s not just a church issue—it’s a cultural reality. We live in the lingering wake of a global pandemic that normalized isolation. Zoom calls replaced dinner tables. Screen time replaced shared time. We were forced apart, and many have never fully returned—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The value of presence has been quietly eroded, and now, more than ever, people are questioning if anyone truly sees them.
There’s something sacred about presence. Not just physical proximity—but emotional, spiritual, and relational presence. In a world filled with digital messages, quick reactions, and busyness that often pulls us in a hundred directions, showing up for one another has become a lost art. We don’t always mean to neglect people—we just get distracted. Pulled away. Caught up in our own survival.
We live in a world where ghosting people has become normal, where commitments are often replaced with convenience. People attend church services but never feel truly seen. We scroll through social media and confuse likes for love, emojis for empathy, and comments for connection.
But Paul reminds us here—showing up matters.
That’s where we meet Paul in this portion of his letter to the Thessalonians. Paul wasn’t just a preacher or a missionary—he was a spiritual father. And he had been forced to leave behind a group of believers that he loved dearly. Now, from a distance, he writes with urgency and warmth, assuring them: “I haven’t forgotten you. I didn’t leave because I wanted to. And I’m still praying, still trying, still loving.”
This passage offers us a glimpse into the raw, relational side of ministry and Christian community. It’s about what it means to show up for each other—not just when it’s easy or convenient, but when it’s hard. When life is messy. When presence costs something.
And here’s the thing: when we consistently show up in love, our witness becomes unforgettable.
If you have your Bible, turn with me to 1 Thessalonians 2:17, and we’ll read through chapter 3, verse 13.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13 (NIV)
2:17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
3:1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. — 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13 (NIV)
Context:
By this point in the letter, we know Paul has deep affection for the believers in Thessalonica. But in these verses, we get an even clearer view of how much that separation grieved him.
The phrase Paul uses in 2:17—“we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time”—is actually unique. The Greek word is aporphanisthēmen, which means to be torn apart like a parent ripped away from their children. It’s the same kind of word used to describe bereavement.
In other words, Paul isn’t just sad that he had to leave—he’s grieving it. He didn’t see this as a change in plans. He saw it as a deep personal loss.
We also learn here that Paul had tried repeatedly to return to them, but he says, “Satan blocked our way.” What that means exactly—we don’t know. It may have been legal trouble, illness, local resistance, or divine redirection. What’s clear is that Paul felt spiritually opposed and physically restrained from doing what his heart longed to do.
But rather than give up, Paul sends Timothy as a representative—someone to strengthen and encourage this young church. He sacrifices his most trusted companion because the spiritual welfare of the Thessalonians was more important than his own comfort.
That’s the kind of love that marks the early church. Not just commitment to doctrine—but commitment to each other.
And I believe this passage still speaks clearly today: In a world where people cancel, ghost, or give up on each other quickly—Paul says: Keep showing up. Keep checking in. Keep loving each other.
Message:
So, what does it mean to keep showing up for one another? Paul challenges us to:
1. Show Up Emotionally
Let people know you care deeply!
“But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.” — v.17
Paul doesn’t hide his feelings here. He says, in essence: “We didn’t want to leave. It hurt deeply. You were still on our minds every day.” The word “orphaned” in the Greek conveys more than just distance—it carries the emotional weight of being ripped away. Paul is saying, “This separation devastated us.”
We live in a culture that celebrates independence and often suppresses vulnerability. But Paul shows us that true spiritual leadership—and real community—is built on the willingness to feel deeply and express those feelings with honesty.
Paul doesn’t brush off the pain. He names it. And he lets the people he loves know just how much they mean to him. He models emotional transparency that strengthens relationships and deepens trust. His words are drenched in pastoral care and fatherly affection.
There’s a story I once heard of a man whose friend stopped showing up to church. When he finally visited him, the man confessed he’d been feeling unnoticed, unimportant—like no one would even care if he disappeared. That friend didn’t try to fix everything in one conversation. He just sat on the porch, looked him in the eye, and said, “I care. I miss you. You matter to me.” And those simple words opened the door to healing.
People don’t need you to have all the answers—they need to know they’re not alone. Your emotional presence might just be the turning point in someone’s life.
Application: There are people around you who need to hear that they matter. That they are missed. That you’re thinking of them, praying for them, and holding them in your heart. Never underestimate the power of a call, a note, a kind word spoken with sincerity. Tell people you love them. Don’t assume they know. Don’t let busyness or distance rob you of the chance to express what’s in your heart.
Emotional presence isn’t just about being physically nearby—it’s about being fully engaged. When we show up emotionally, we reflect the heart of Christ, who wept with the grieving and rejoiced with the rejoicing. His love was never distant or cold—it was felt, seen, and heard in real time.
But emotional presence is only the beginning. Paul takes it a step further—he doesn’t just feel deeply, he acts decisively.
2. Show Up Sacrificially
Give, even when it costs you!
“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service… to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” — 1 Thessalonians 3:2
Timothy wasn’t just any helper—he was Paul’s trusted son in the faith, his closest ministry companion. Sending Timothy meant Paul would face the next season alone. But he did it anyway. Because the health and encouragement of the Thessalonians mattered more than his comfort. This decision reflected not just wise leadership, but a profound spiritual sacrifice.
This is the heartbeat of sacrificial presence. It’s not about doing what’s easy—it’s about doing what’s necessary. Paul wasn’t thinking about what was best for him; he was thinking about what was best for them. That kind of selfless love is rare, but it is the clearest reflection of Christlike character.
Consider the story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, missionaries who served in Ecuador during the 1950s. Jim Elliot, along with four other missionaries, made contact with the Huaorani people, a remote and previously unreached tribe. Tragically, in 1956, Jim and his colleagues were killed by members of the tribe they sought to reach.
What makes this story profoundly sacrificial is Elisabeth’s response. Instead of retreating in fear or bitterness, she chose to stay in Ecuador with her young daughter. Elisabeth continued the mission work and eventually lived among the very people who had taken her husband’s life, sharing the message of forgiveness and love. Her unwavering commitment led many in the Huaorani tribe to embrace the Christian faith.
This real-life example illustrates the depth of sacrificial service—giving not just resources or time, but one’s very life and comfort for the sake of others’ spiritual well-being.
Application: Who needs your presence right now? Who needs your wisdom or your encouragement? Maybe it’s a new believer, a struggling teen, or a fellow leader. Showing up sacrificially means you prioritize their spiritual well-being over your own convenience. It means you go the extra mile, even when you’re tired, even when no one is watching.
This is how the church becomes the church—not when we’re all comfortable, but when we’re all committed. When we serve out of love, not out of ease. When we give of ourselves, not from our leftovers. Because what we give sacrificially—God uses exponentially.
Paul wasn’t just trying to make the Thessalonians feel better—he was fighting for their faith. Which leads us to his next act of presence…
3. Show Up Spiritually
Strengthen others in their faith!
“…to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.” — 3:2–3
Paul knew trials shake people. Doubts creep in. Fear rises. And if left unchecked, it can pull people away from truth. So he sends Timothy to do more than comfort—he sends him to anchor their hearts.
His desire wasn’t merely to uplift the spirits of the Thessalonians; it was to fortify their souls. He knew from experience that when storms come, people need more than warm words—they need an anchor. The word “strengthen” here implies reinforcing what is already present. In other words, Paul wasn’t questioning their faith—he was confirming it, stabilizing it, building it up brick by brick with encouragement, truth, and godly counsel.
In practical terms, strengthening someone’s faith in church life looks like walking with them through the valley, not just waving at them from the mountaintop. It means discipling new believers, not assuming they’ll figure things out on their own. It’s sitting across the table with someone struggling and opening the Bible together—not to preach at them, but to remind them of who God is.
Think of the friend who’s questioning their purpose after losing a job, or the parent wondering if their prayers for their child are making a difference. Showing up spiritually means being the one who says, “You’re not alone, and God hasn’t abandoned you. Let’s look at His promises together.”
It could mean mentoring someone younger in the faith, starting a prayer group, sending a Scripture-based text just when someone needs it, or offering to fast with a friend facing a crisis. It’s about helping others tether their hope to truth when their feelings are all over the place.
And don’t overlook the role of encouragement. The Greek word used for “encourage” (parakaleō) can mean to comfort, exhort, or urge. It’s not just about making someone feel better—it’s about urging them to press on, to persevere, and to keep their eyes on Jesus.
Application: Don’t just check in—call people higher. Ask God for discernment about who might be struggling in silence and be willing to step in with words of truth and prayers of power. Don’t underestimate the impact of walking with someone in prayer week after week. When you show up spiritually, you don’t just help others survive—you help them thrive.
When you show up spiritually, you bring Jesus into the conversation. And where He is, peace and power always follow.
And finally, Paul reminds us that real presence isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continual commitment.
4. Show Up Consistently
Keep praying, keep believing!
“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again… May the Lord make your love increase and overflow…” — 3:10–12
Paul didn’t stop caring when he left. He didn’t forget when it got hard. He kept praying. Consistently. Fervently. Not out of duty—but out of deep love. And notice what he prayed for—he prayed for their love to abound, for their faith to remain steadfast, and for their holiness to reflect Christ. Paul’s prayers weren’t general—they were targeted. Intentional. Ongoing.
Consistent spiritual presence is one of the most underappreciated but powerful forms of ministry. It’s easy to make a big splash once. But it takes faith, maturity, and love to keep showing up week after week—when no one claps, when there’s no crowd, when the progress is slow. And yet, that’s where the seeds of lasting change are planted.
There’s a story about a woman who prayed for her husband’s salvation every day for 40 years. He wasn’t hostile—just distant. She showed up at church alone, year after year, never losing hope. Her husband eventually gave his life to Christ—not in a dramatic altar call, but quietly, during a conversation where he said, “You never gave up on me. That’s what made me believe God hadn’t either.”
That’s what consistency does. It echoes. It builds. It speaks volumes over time.
C.S. Lewis once wrote, “The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘real’ life. The truth is, of course, that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life.”
In other words, the daily acts of faith—showing up, praying when no one sees, believing when nothing changes—those are not side tasks. They are the core of spiritual endurance.
Application: Who have you stopped praying for? Who have you quietly decided is too far gone, or too stuck, or too distant to reach?
Consistency is where faith becomes formation. Keep showing up. Keep interceding. Even if you don’t see results, trust that God is working in unseen places. Your steady presence may not feel flashy, but it will outlast everything else. Keep praying like Paul. Keep loving like Christ. Because the Spirit moves in the space between your persistence and God’s promise.
And when we do this—when we live with this kind of faithful presence—the result is a witness that lasts far beyond the moment.
Conclusion:
In a world of quick exits and short attention spans, one of the most powerful witnesses you can offer is simple, faithful presence.
Paul showed up emotionally, sacrificially, spiritually, and consistently—and in doing so, he gave the Thessalonians a picture of Christ Himself.
So here’s the big question for you today. Who needs you to show up? Who needs your courage, your compassion, your consistency?
Let’s be the kind of church that doesn’t just talk about love—we demonstrate it. Let’s be the kind of people who keep showing up for one another—especially when it’s hard.
Because faithfulness is what echoes.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for modeling through Paul what real spiritual community looks like. Help us to love deeply, give sacrificially, strengthen faithfully, and pray persistently. Let us be a people who never grow weary in showing up. May our love overflow. May our faith remain strong. And may we reflect the heart of Christ to one another, not just in words, but in presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.