9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
The Bible is full of instructions to love one another. It is not something we should need reminding of and yet we need to be reminded, don’t we? Paul commended the Thessalonians for their love but encouraged them to do so more and more. He encouraged them to grow in their love in a few interesting ways:
Live a quiet (restful) life. Don’t be frantic and always on the move. A peaceful person is a blessing to those around them.
Mind your own affairs. Don’t meddle in other people’s business. Don’t let your love overwhelm others by constantly being in their space (Prov 25:17).
Work with your hands. This refers to any type of productive work whether it’s a trade or an office job. Work is the primary means God uses to supply most of our needs. We should work to supply our own needs and not be dependent on others (don’t be a leech).
All of this is a good testimony to unbelievers who are outside the church.
Love is your primary testimony to those outside the church. Love is not found in the words you say but shown in the way you live.