1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 - Love More!
When the church started out in Jerusalem, Jewish Christians in that city were at the bottom of the social ladder. To make things worse, there was a world-wide famine (Acts 11:28). Christians were already persecuted, so they would be the last to get a job or even a handout.
Meanwhile, 1,500 miles away (by camel ...1,000+ miles by boat) there was the region of Macedonia. The churches of this region were known for (1) Deep poverty (2) Liberal generosity. Even though they had little to spare, these Gentile Christians gave over-and-above in charitable contributions to the Jewish Christians in far-off Jerusalem--people they would never meet. (Acts 11:29; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
Thessalonica was a major port city in Macedonia (now in modern Greece). Paul describes the church in that city:
We don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more. 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 (New Living Translation)
The churches of Macedonia were known for their love and generosity, and this church led their region in loving others! Paul commends their love and says: Love More!
During this world-wide pandemic; tempers flare, politics gets embroiled. But there is a lot of loving going on as well. For example, the nurses and staff I work with are under the same pressures as everyone else. I never hear them complain about their hours being cut, or the risks they take.
They keep showing the same kind of love to their patients that they always have. You know people like that, too. They have my utmost admiration and respect. All I can say is, "Don't stop... I urge you to keep on loving, even more."
The most fitting prayer comes from...
2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 (NLT) — 11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, 1,500 miles away (by camel ...1,000+ miles by boat) there was the region of Macedonia. The churches of this region were known for (1) Deep poverty (2) Liberal generosity. Even though they had little to spare, these Gentile Christians gave over-and-above in charitable contributions to the Jewish Christians in far-off Jerusalem--people they would never meet. (Acts 11:29; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
Thessalonica was a major port city in Macedonia (now in modern Greece). Paul describes the church in that city:
We don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more. 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 (New Living Translation)
The churches of Macedonia were known for their love and generosity, and this church led their region in loving others! Paul commends their love and says: Love More!
During this world-wide pandemic; tempers flare, politics gets embroiled. But there is a lot of loving going on as well. For example, the nurses and staff I work with are under the same pressures as everyone else. I never hear them complain about their hours being cut, or the risks they take.
They keep showing the same kind of love to their patients that they always have. You know people like that, too. They have my utmost admiration and respect. All I can say is, "Don't stop... I urge you to keep on loving, even more."
The most fitting prayer comes from...
2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 (NLT) — 11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
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