1 Thessalonians 3:9

What thanks can we render? Paul’s heart overflows with permissible elation at the thought of his converts’ excellences. Paul naturally desires to give thanks for their exemplary witness, and to give such thanks, not to man, but to God, who made possible their victorious lives. His joy is spiritual. It arises from contemplating the spiritual worth of the believers. Such joy contains no selfishness. It is akin to the happiness felt by the angels at the conversion of a sinner (Luke 15:10). For the third time Paul expresses thanks to God for His keeping power in behalf of his converts (see 1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13). What could be greater cause for thanksgiving? The joy that a true servant of Christ experiences as he learns of the faithfulness of those whom he has brought to the Lord is the greatest remuneration for service (see 3 John 4).