Brotherly Love

"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, 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." 1Thessalonians 4:9-10

1) Paul is writing this church a letter, and comes to brotherly love, and he tells them that they are doing an awesome job in that area. He doesn't need to give them any instruction.

Why is my first thought about that, that this church was really special? They must have really had their act together because no one is like that today. This shouldn't be abnormal for us. People on the outside, looking into our churches shouldn't see a varying degree of Godly love for each other.

2) God taught them how to operate in brotherly love.

Are we open to God teaching us how to love our neighbor? That doesn't come easily. Jealousy, anger, lying, and quick, hot tempers are easier to operate in our lives. They are normal. This church learned from God, and His response tends to be a little nicer than slapping someone upside the head.

3) Paul's only piece of advice, was that they focus on working in love more and more.

Are we I've-done-my-good-deed-for-the-week Christians? Acting in love is a daily, minute by minute choice. Paul urged them to choose Godly love more and more. To stop and actually think, "I'm going to respond like Jesus would."

Remember this isn't special behavior. Ask God to teach you His brand of love. And choose to walk in His love.

---Joy