How can we "excel even more" in loving others as taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:10? A Love Already Evident, Yet Urged to Grow “Yet we urge you, brothers, to excel even more” (1 Thessalonians 4:10). Paul celebrates the Thessalonians’ proven love, then immediately calls for increase. Scripture never treats love as a plateau; it is a living, expanding reality. Foundations That Empower Greater Love • The Spirit’s work: “God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). • Christ’s pattern: “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). • The Father’s command: “This is His commandment: that we love one another” (1 John 3:23). Practical Steps to Excel Even More • Deepen daily communion with Christ. Abiding produces fruit (John 15:4-5). • Choose intentional acts of kindness—small, frequent, often unseen (Matthew 6:3-4). • Guard the tongue; speak only words that “build up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Practice quick forgiveness, mirroring God’s grace (Colossians 3:13). • Give materially and sacrificially, trusting God to supply (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Make room in the schedule for people, not merely projects (Luke 10:33-34). • Pray by name for brothers, sisters, neighbors, and even enemies (Matthew 5:44). Excelling Within the Church Family • Honor each member as indispensable (1 Colossians 12:22-26). • Share burdens tangibly: meals, rides, childcare, financial help (Galatians 6:2). • Encourage spiritual growth—meet to read, confess, and rejoice in Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Resolve conflicts swiftly, aiming for unity (Ephesians 4:3). • Celebrate others’ successes without envy (Romans 12:15). Extending Love Beyond the Church Walls • Show hospitality to strangers; some “have entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). • Seek justice for the vulnerable—widows, orphans, immigrants (James 1:27). • Engage community needs through service and honest labor (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). • Speak the gospel, the ultimate act of love, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Motives That Keep Love Increasing • Gratitude: “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Witness: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples” (John 13:35). • Future reward: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). • Anticipation: Love matured now previews eternal fellowship (1 Colossians 13:12-13). Guardrails for Persevering • Reject weariness by leaning on the Spirit’s power (Galatians 6:9). • Stay clear of self-promotion; love “does not seek its own” (1 Colossians 13:5). • Keep doctrine and love inseparable; truth governs affection (2 John 6). • Remember Christ’s return, spurring holy urgency (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). Conclusion: A Continual Upward Call Love that “excels even more” is not optional extra credit; it is the believer’s ongoing assignment until the Lord calls us home. By drawing from God’s limitless reservoir, living the Word, and serving people deliberately, followers of Christ can keep surpassing yesterday’s measure of love. |
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