How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
You, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you suffered the same things from your own compatriots as they did from the Jews. (1 Thessalonians 2:14, NRSV)
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews. (1 Thessalonians 2:14, KJV)
The Thessalonians are part of the worldwide Christian community. Here, Paul's saying that they're so awesome, they're just like the original Christians in Judea, Jesus' homeland.
Quote #2
As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face[…] For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Yes, you are our glory and joy! (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20, NRSV)
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20, KJV)
Paul really loves him some Thessalonians. Here, he explains how badly he wanted to be reunited with his precious community when he was absent. But he also notes that he was only physically absent. Spiritually, he's always been a part of this big happy family.
Quote #3
[Timothy] has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8, NRSV)
Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8, KJV)
Paul loves these guys so much that just thinking of them gets him through the tough times. Now that's a strong bond.