Abound in Love Toward One Another

[12] “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,” – 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NKJV)

Paul always liked concluding his letters with prayers for the church to which he wrote the letter. Today, these prayers are a blessing to us. Not only has it taught us how to pray well, but also highlighted key things to feature in our prayer requests other than asking God for merely material possessions.

In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Paul prayed for the Thessalonian church brethren to increase and abound in love toward one another and to all. But before that prayer, Paul lived such a lifestyle before them to serve as an epitome to them. Here’s something I see in the scripture.

Paul says we should first abound in love toward one another as believers and then to all (including unbelievers). And to do that, we can pray for it. So that compassion you lack to give to the poor, you can pray it away for God to fill your heart with His abounding love.

Don’t always attribute anything wrong you see another believer does to an attitude flaw. Just abound in love toward that person and watch how God transforms his life with time. If all believers will live like this, I think there’ll be less bitterness among people in this world.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer:

Father, help me to increase and abound in love toward other believers in my life. Stir me up unto love and good works despite the imperfections of people I see in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 166