The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians, found in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, said, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.” Paul is conveying an important truth that is relevant to our lives today as followers of Jesus Christ.
Love is at the core of our faith, and it is the foundation upon which our relationships with one another should be built. We are called to increase and abound in love, not only within the Church but also toward all people, just as Paul did toward the Thessalonians.
First, let’s take a look at the idea of increasing in love. Love is not something that is supposed to remain stagnant. It is a flame that should continually burn brighter in our hearts. As we grow in our relationship with God and with one another, our capacity to love should also expand. It means that we should be more patient, more understanding, and more compassionate with one another every day. When we encounter difficulties, certain differences of opinion between us and other members within the local congregation or the Church as a whole, we need to try to remind ourselves that love has the power to mend and strengthen our bonds.
Next, we are called to abound in love. Abounding in love means that our love should overflow and extend beyond the boundaries of our immediate circle. We are to love not only our fellow believers but also all people, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or circumstances. Our love should be inclusive, just as Christ’s love knows no bounds. Remember, every human being is a child of God. When we love abundantly, we are fulfilling the commandment of loving our neighbours as ourselves, living out Christ’s teachings.
In our daily lives, we often come across people who may be different from us, who may not share our faith or our values. But it is in those times that we have an opportunity to let the love of Christ shine through us. By showing love to all people, we become a light in a world that is filled with darkness, despair, hate, chaos and division.
As we think about this verse, let’s pray that Heavenly Father makes us increase and abound in love. May our love for one another and for all people be a testament to our faith and a source of unity and healing in the world. Let’s strive to be known not only by our words but by the love that flows from our hearts. In doing so, we fulfil the greatest commandment given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Let’s live a life filled with love and grace, abounding in love for one another and for all the children of God.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
