I Thessalonians 3:10

"Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith."
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10

1.) The discernment to note that which is lacking is a spiritual gifting...however this is a real problem when it becomes perverted by the devils in the details of ministry. The ease with which we slide into a rut where we only see "that which is lacking in your (others beside ourselves) faith," is preponderate. It is good that we have this discernment, but it becomes corrupt when we only see "it."

2.) Twofold solution: A.) The intent to solve should be helped massively by at least the desire, if not the full intent to do so in person, "that we might see your face." Hiding like a spider in the darkness (Galatians 2:4) only to escape your burrow to pounce upon the unweary prey may only show others that you have eight ugly spindly legs, and an ungainly amount of eyes to see the only lack of others, but no eyes to see your own. B.) Judaizers never pray, but rather they prey, they could really care less to see the other person really healed of that which is lacking. Rather, they enjoy the exposure and festering wounds of that which lacks.

Not only did Paul have discernment and insight into the spiritual needs of others, as a pastor of pastors should, but he desired, and often did, rectify those things in person if possible. But before he did so, he prayed like a fool. Night and day no less!

Do we do this brothers? Or do we enjoy the quick melee? Do we relish the glint of pale light upon our fangs?

James 1v19, 'So then, my brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.'

We should think before we speak, and seek to bridle our tongue, James 1v2.

You seem to presented what you have said in a hostile manner. Seem to, but maybe that was not your intention.

What does the apostle Paul mean when he talks about 'perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

It doesn't sound like he wants to grill them, but to encourage them to trust the living God as they should.

Let me put it this way, maybe they are only at our level of faith, instead of where they actually should be.

That's it for now.

Sorry enid, I did not intend to be hostile, I was actually remembering an issue I had with a brother once whom I felt had a lot of things lacking in his faith. The amount of times I wanted to grill him over things became a bit of an issue for me. But alas the Lord called me not to address those issues except mainly in prayer, and to only deal with the issue face to face. I am not positive but I think I saw those prayers answered, and some of the issues corrected.

It was a hard lesson to learn. So anything I said I had to learn myself. I will pray and ask the Lord if there was hostility in my post.

Thank you enid.

"Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith." - 1 Thessalonians 3:10 1.) The discernment to note that which is lacking is a spiritual gifting...however this is a real problem when it becomes perverted by the devils in the details of ministry. The ease with which we slide into a rut where we only see "that which is lacking in your (others beside ourselves) faith," is preponderate. It is good that we have this discernment, but it becomes corrupt when we only see "it."

Paul fulfilled his apostolic calling as he established works, ordained elders, and later returned to further set in order, complete, or fit out the works previously established. I think it probable that this is what Paul is saying when he says he is going to perfect (furnish or complete) things lacking in the faith of the church at Thessaloniaca. Basically, "I am going to come to you again and continue the work of teaching and establishing that I began when I was with you previously."