17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
18For we wanted to come to you — indeed I, Paul, tried again and again — but Satan obstructed us.
19After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
20You are indeed our glory and our joy.
— 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20