Abounding Love

Good Morning!

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (English Standard Version)
11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Paul had a great desire to return to the church at Thessalonica – but he could not go. He knew the church there was under persecution. He knew they needed encouragement. He earnestly prayed that God would permit him to return – but, as far as we know, he never did. Instead, he sent a letter to them. I believe it was Ellen who commented that had Paul been allowed to return to Thessalonica we would never have had the two letters that contain such good direction for us. Paul did send Timothy – who returned with good news about the church.

What I would like to focus on is verse 12. What does Paul ask God to do for the people in the church at Thessalonica? He asks that they increase AND abound in love for one another and for all. Having been a Baptist most of my adult life, I can share some stories about conflicts within the churches. It seems like there is always a spat going on – some person mad at someone else and so on. What would Paul ask for in our churches today? That we love one another - not only that, but that we abound in love for one another.

Jesus gave us a command that we love one another. Our love for one another is our identifying mark. Our love for one another sets us apart from other folks. One of the neat things that has occurred over the last two weeks is the love that you have shown for Norma and me. It is a WOW situation! My dear friends praying – and their dear friends praying for a sister in faith. Your love ABOUNDS toward us. Such love makes one want to shout.

God is so good to give us you. When I started this post several years ago it was to encourage a dear friend … and now I find myself being encouraged. What a blessing… for another good morning.

Agape’


Mr. Jim