1 Thessalonians 3:1,2

"Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to estabilish you and encourage you concerning your faith." (I Thes 3:1,2)

I don't believe that we can ever comprehend what Paul feels when he said "we could no longer endure it". However, in our daily lives, there are times when we feel like we can no longer go on. It could be physically, mentally, or spiritually. During those spiritual troughs, we long for someone to encourage us and strengthen us. Therefore, it is important that we have someone around us to aid us when we are spiritually handicaped.

Paul has many companions in Christ. Notice that he said "in the gospel of Christ". These aren't just ordinary people on the street. These are people who shared the same passion and same goals as Paul did in life. Likewise, it is important for us to have these companions in Christ to aid us while we trod down the same path. Whether it be our own spiritual lacking or the lacking of someone we are responsible for, we can count on these spiritual companions to look after these needs. Solomon is indeed wise when he said "Two are better than one...For if they fall, one will lift up his companion... Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecc 4:9, 10, 12).

Not only that, it is important to have fellow spiritual workers to help in the work of God. When one is bogged down, the other can take up the burden. When one is at the end of his wits, the other can chip in his two cents worth. There will be someone to share the labor with you. Someone who cares just as much about holy work as you do. Someone to shepard the truthseekers when you are away. Someone to fill in for you when you are unable. Most of all, someone to share your joy with in your labor. Treasure those spiritual companions, because they are a blessing from God.