IncreaseSample

Increasing in Love

In the book of Thessalonians, Paul the apostle is writing to the church of Thessalonica, and from the beginning he speaks of their faith, which is spoken of all over the world. Paul continues to tell the church how much he loves them, how much he desires to see them, and how he was willing to send them Timothy to strengthen them and encourage them in their faith. The church in Thessalonica was enduring persecution and yet continued in their faith.

I love the heart of Paul and Timothy. Although they, too, are dealing with persecution in Philippi and Athens, they are not focusing on themselves but on how they can encourage others to remain in faith. Here in the United States, we are beginning to see persecution like we haven’t seen. Even though this country was built on freedom of worship, there are now laws being created to come against the church and to silence the church. We have even corporate America telling Christians that they can’t talk about their faith, wear clothing about faith, or even put a nativity on their desk at Christmas. These kinds of things can very easily put us in a state of self-preservation. It can make us feel like we can no longer share the good news. Maybe even feel like, because we can get in trouble for sharing our faith, that the ends don’t justify the means. But this couldn’t be further from the truth!

I think about the persecution that is taking place all over the world. There are people dying for their faith and being imprisoned for their faith. And if we don’t keep this in front of us, we can find ourselves like King Hezekiah, who said, "At least it will be good while I am alive." We need to have a love for the body of Christ that wakes us up in the middle of the night, prompting us to pray. Remember, Paul said, that when I couldn’t take it any longer, I sent Timothy to check on you. And then he says, abound in love for people just as I did for you.

Reflection and Application:

1. Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1-3 and ask God to reveal to you the heart of Paul in writing this letter.
2. Ask God, where can I start increasing in love? Can I start by asking God who He wants me to lift up in prayer, and begin praying daily for the persecuted church? Could I do an interest meeting for the upcoming Missions trips? Could I financially support someone who is in the mission field? Could I reach out to a local church that is struggling and ask how I can help?
3. Put an action plan together for how you will begin seeing this through, so it doesn’t just become a thought or idea but a labor of love.