Note 10 at 1 Th. 3:7: The Living Bible states Paul's feelings plainly, "So we are greatly comforted, dear brothers, in all of our own crushing troubles and suffering here, now that we know you are standing true to the Lord."

Paul endured great hardships without the negative reactions one might expect. He considered all his troubles "light afflictions" compared to his eternal reward (see notes 18-21 at 2 Cor. 4:17-18, p. 999). He was dead to himself and so alive to God that temporal trials were nothing (see note 15 at Phil. 1:22, p. 1155). Additionally, this verse reveals that he lived for others, not himself. Therefore, the Thessalonians' success comforted him.

Today, most people are so self centered that when they see others prosper, they have a tendency to become envious and depressed, wondering why they themselves aren't doing as well. This is not a good attitude. Those who exalt self above others will always be unhappy. One of the keys to true happiness is the attitude Paul expressed here where the prosperity of those whom one loves is more important than one's own success.