MAY YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER INCREASE

PROCLAMATION

“And The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do towards you; To the end He may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  In this third chapter, Paul expresses his love and concern for the Thessalonians. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-7)  He also tells them of his desire to see them again. (1 Thessalonians 3:9-11)  Then he ends by praying that The Lord God will increase their love for each other and that He will strengthen their hearts.

 

APPLICATION

Here the word “love” is not an affectionate or romantic term.  It implies an active seeking of the welfare of another.  “Love” here has a purpose; it is not an end in itself. (According to Bible scholar J. Vernon McGee)  The Apostle Paul prays for the believers to have love for all men, and for the purity of their heart.  We would do well to pray this prayer for each other.  We all need God’s help because some of the people we encounter are difficult to love.  Also, it is difficult for us not to think evil and sinful thoughts, and to maintain a pure heart and mind.  We need for God to create within us a clean heart and a right spirit. (Psalm 51:10)  For only the pure in heart shall see God. (Psalm 24:4 and Matthew 5:8)  Let us be reminded of the fact that Jesus, The Christ, is coming again to gather up His own and take them with Him, and we do not want to be left behind. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)