In his final words to the Thessalonians, Paul had already challenged the church to be pure in their sexuality realizing God had called them to the highest possible standard…they were to live distinct from the lost world around them (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). In verse 9, Paul writes them “concerning brotherly love” and reminds his readers that he shouldn’t have to write to them about this subject because “you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” The Thessalonians were not failing in the area of loving others, but Paul’s desire was for them to “increase more and more” in their love for others. When a person loves God with all their heart, they will have no problem loving others. Along with loving others, Paul metions several other things which should characterize the life of a believer. First, he encouraged them to “aspire to lead a quiet life.” We live in a day when people thrive on “drama” or seek to cause conflict. This type of lifestyle should never describe that of a believer. Take a moment to examine yourself – do you constantly have controversy in the midst of your life? Do you seem to have issues with many of your friends and family or even fellow Christians? If so, maybe you need to heed Paul’s warning to the Thessalonians and attempt to live a “quiet life.” The next challenge goes hand in hand with the first – “mind your own business.” If a situation does not involve you, do not get in the middle of it. Again, take a careful inventory of your heart and confess those areas where you have become involved in a situation which did not involve you. A Christian should not be known as one who is involved in the latest disagreement or controversy, but rather should do his or her best to live a life which brings attention to God, not to self. Paul also writes that they would “work with your own hands.” Simply put, Paul challenges them to work hard and not fear “getting their hands dirty.” Before Paul moves on to comfort the Thessalonians in their trials, he commands them to “walk properly toward those who are outside.” Some Christians believe they only have an obligation to treat fellow believers with respect, but Paul wants them to also respect the lost. The Christian world must do a better job at loving others instead of always judging them. I agree…we should never tolerate sin, but we should always be guilty of going the extra mile in expressing our love for others. This love cannot be a fake love with strings attached, but must be a genuine love which has resulted out of a proper understanding of God’s love for us. I am reminded of what Paul wrote in Romans: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Dear God, help my love for You to naturally lead to a passionate love for others.
