1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
Loving each other is a result of God’s sanctifying work in us, teaching us by His word and Spirit to care for each other as He does for each one of His chosen people. These in Thessaloniki loved their fellow believers all around the region, not just in their own local church, a compelling example for us to follow. Even so, God used Paul to stir them up and further challenge them to overflow in this love, as well as to avoid gossip and to work hard at all they did. They were to mind their own business instead of gossip and slander, but not to ignore each other or not get involved in others spiritual growth and well-being. They were also to have all they needed as they took responsibility and worked (“if a man does not work, neither let him eat”). We also,are to learn to love each other more and more as we are taught by God and others He gives for instruction and example.
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