What practical steps can deepen our love for fellow believers as instructed here? Love That Keeps Growing 1 Thessalonians 4:10: “And indeed, you are showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.” The verse applauds genuine love already in action and then urges an ongoing increase. Love is never meant to plateau; it is designed to deepen, widen, and overflow. Why Keep Growing? • Love reflects Christ’s own love (John 13:34-35). • Love authenticates genuine faith (1 John 3:14). • Love strengthens the witness of the church (John 17:23). • Love obeys the clear command of God (Romans 12:10). Practical Steps That Expand Our Love 1. Cultivate Consistent Prayer • Pray for fellow believers by name (Ephesians 6:18). • Ask God to give you His affection for them (Philippians 1:8). • Thank God for their victories; intercede for their needs (Colossians 1:3-4). 2. Practice Intentional Presence • Share meals, invite others into your home (Acts 2:46). • Arrive early, linger later at gatherings to connect. • Choose fellowship over isolation, following Hebrews 10:24-25. 3. Serve Tangible Needs • Offer practical help—childcare, transportation, meals (Galatians 6:10). • Use your skills to bless—maintenance, tutoring, tech help (1 Peter 4:10). • Volunteer in church ministries that build up the body (Ephesians 4:16). 4. Speak Life-Giving Words • Encourage, affirm, and edify (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Share Scripture that comforts or motivates (Colossians 3:16). • Express gratitude directly—don’t assume people know. 5. Forgive Quickly and Fully • Keep short accounts (Ephesians 4:32). • Address offenses humbly and promptly (Matthew 18:15). • Remember how much Christ has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13). 6. Give Generously • Contribute toward needs and missions (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Share resources without reluctance (Acts 4:34-35). • Treat your possessions as tools for love, not trophies of success. 7. Celebrate Spiritual Growth • Rejoice when others advance in faith (3 John 4). • Publicly acknowledge God’s work in them. • Mark milestones—baptisms, answered prayers, ministry steps. 8. Partner in Gospel Work • Evangelize together—street outreach, hospitality events (Philippians 1:5). • Pray for missionaries and church planters as a team. • Shoulder burdens so others can serve more freely (Philippians 2:25-30). Guarding Against Hindrances • Self-focus blinds love; choose humility (Philippians 2:3-4). • Bitterness chokes love; release grievances (Hebrews 12:15). • Busyness crowds love; schedule margin for people (Luke 10:41-42). • Gossip poisons love; speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 29). Love That Displays the Gospel When believers actively pursue these steps, the church becomes a living testimony of Christ’s power. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Let’s heed Paul’s exhortation: whatever level of love we have reached, “do so more and more.” |
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