AUGUST 7
TAUGHT BY GOD TO LOVE
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; (WEB)
I love the tender picture that the Apostle Paul paints in today's Scripture reading. He is so moved by the love that the Thessalonians showed their brothers in Macedonia that he tells them he has nothing to teach about brotherly love... because God Himself has taught them how to love one another.
What an incredible picture of a Father's love for His children! He actually shows us how to care for our brothers and sisters. I remember when our children were young and didn't play nicely with each other. We had to have some teaching moments with them. Lovingly but firmly, we had to teach our little ones how to be kind and considerate to their siblings.
I don't think it's a stretch of the imagination to see how God treats us the same way. He disapproves when we fight, and He's especially pleased when we go out of our way to love one another. As an earthly father, I enjoy seeing all my children get along. HOW MUCH MORE do you think our heavenly Dad loves seeing all of us caring for each other?
My prayer today is that we all learn from God how to love one another. May a revival of love spread through our own families, overflow into our church community, and then spread everywhere we go! May the world see that what makes us sons and daughters of our Father is the love we share for each other. As Paul concludes today's Scripture verse, may you grow more and more in love!
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (WEB)
But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; (WEB)
I love the tender picture that the Apostle Paul paints in today's Scripture reading. He is so moved by the love that the Thessalonians showed their brothers in Macedonia that he tells them he has nothing to teach about brotherly love... because God Himself has taught them how to love one another.
What an incredible picture of a Father's love for His children! He actually shows us how to care for our brothers and sisters. I remember when our children were young and didn't play nicely with each other. We had to have some teaching moments with them. Lovingly but firmly, we had to teach our little ones how to be kind and considerate to their siblings.
I don't think it's a stretch of the imagination to see how God treats us the same way. He disapproves when we fight, and He's especially pleased when we go out of our way to love one another. As an earthly father, I enjoy seeing all my children get along. HOW MUCH MORE do you think our heavenly Dad loves seeing all of us caring for each other?
My prayer today is that we all learn from God how to love one another. May a revival of love spread through our own families, overflow into our church community, and then spread everywhere we go! May the world see that what makes us sons and daughters of our Father is the love we share for each other. As Paul concludes today's Scripture verse, may you grow more and more in love!
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (WEB)