1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
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.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Th 3:1–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
St Paul does not want to sway the people by his Suffering. People are moved by emotions and the suffering of others. We use pictures of people suffering and in pain to help solicit money and donations to different charities. We pull on people's emotions. But this is not the message of scripture.
St Paul does not want to pull on people's emotions. St Paul wants the Thessalonians to know what God has done for them. God desires all people to learn about him. He has revealed himself in Holy Scripture. He has shown himself to people through words and through his sacrifice. Not through our pity.
When you see a man hanging on the cross, do you cry? Why? Do you feel sorry or pity for Jesus? God desires us to praise him. God desires us to serve him. He does not desire to pull on our emotions. But he desires to save us from our sins.
Jesus Christ has sacrificed himself for you so that when you look to the cross you can thank and praise him. Jesus Christ hangs on the cross and bleeds to give you life and salvation. This is not something to mourn over but to celebrate the sacrifice of Christ for our forgiveness.
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