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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\u2019s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more\u2026 (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)

There is a similar pattern here to what Paul said about sexuality in yesterday\u2019s devotion. \xa0It goes something like this: \u201cyou already do this in response to the teaching you have received\u2014now do so more and more.\u201d \xa0What\u2019s different here is that the Thessalonians have not been taught by the apostles to love one another, but by God himself. \xa0This promise of God himself teaching his people echoes with a few Old Testament texts, and in the Thessalonians it is fulfilled. \xa0The Holy Spirit is at work among them. \xa0Praise God! \xa0

Indeed, Paul has already given thanks to God for just these things in chapter 1. \xa0This is quite likely their \u201cLabor prompted by Love\u201d and the way they have become \u201ca model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.\u201d \xa0Paul thanks God for it. \xa0

God\u2019s work of love through Jesus for and within these believers has very naturally led to their love for one another. \xa0This love is so overflowing that it has been a mark of their presence and ministry\u2014not just within the city of Thessalonica\u2014but throughout the province of Macedonia. \xa0We sing \u201cthey\u2019ll know we are Christians by our love\u201d and it really is true. \xa0An overflowing, abundant, ready love for neighbours, strangers, enemies, and friends is a mark of God\u2019s 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. \xa0

One of the signs of the health of our own congregation is exactly this. \xa0Members and visitors alike will often mention how this church\u2019s people care for one another. \xa0There are deep relationships here, without members being cliquey. \xa0There\u2019s always room enough to invite another to the table. \xa0And when someone is in need: prayers, cards, visits, and meals arrive! \xa0This is a gift of God\u2019s own love spilling over in our congregation! \xa0Praise God!

Paul\u2019s encouragement points to the fact that this is a gift that must be tended, though. \xa0Stewarded. \xa0Love can grow cold. \xa0People can get busy and distracted, weary and grieved. \xa0In order for our love muscles not to atrophy, they must continually be used. \xa0So the invitation for the Thessalonians to love like they already are loving\u2014and to do so \u201cmore and more.\u201d \xa0\xa0

The same invitation comes to us\u2014firstly 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\u2014spirit, soul, and body\u2014and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he\u2019ll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).

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