Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more… (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)

There is a similar pattern here to what Paul said about sexuality in yesterday’s devotion. It goes something like this: “you already do this in response to the teaching you have received—now do so more and more.” What’s different here is that the Thessalonians have not been taught by the apostles to love one another, but by God himself. This promise of God himself teaching his people echoes with a few Old Testament texts, and in the Thessalonians it is fulfilled. The Holy Spirit is at work among them. Praise God!

Indeed, Paul has already given thanks to God for just these things in chapter 1. This is quite likely their “Labor prompted by Love” and the way they have become “a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” Paul thanks God for it.

God’s work of love through Jesus for and within these believers has very naturally led to their love for one another. This love is so overflowing that it has been a mark of their presence and ministry—not just within the city of Thessalonica—but throughout the province of Macedonia. We sing “they’ll know we are Christians by our love” and it really is true. An overflowing, abundant, ready love for neighbours, strangers, enemies, and friends is a mark of God’s own love having so filled someone that it flows over and splashes out everywhere in a ready smile, dedicated care, and a conciliatory, peace-making posture.

One of the signs of the health of our own congregation is exactly this. Members and visitors alike will often mention how this church’s people care for one another. There are deep relationships here, without members being cliquey. There’s always room enough to invite another to the table. And when someone is in need: prayers, cards, visits, and meals arrive! This is a gift of God’s own love spilling over in our congregation! Praise God!

Paul’s encouragement points to the fact that this is a gift that must be tended, though. Stewarded. Love can grow cold. People can get busy and distracted, weary and grieved. In order for our love muscles not to atrophy, they must continually be used. So the invitation for the Thessalonians to love like they already are loving—and to do so “more and more.”

The same invitation comes to us—firstly to recognize and give thanks for the good work of multiplying his love among us that God is already doing, and then to lean into this good work of love more and more.

As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).