“Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
How can we love our brothers and sisters more? Often, when we hear a sermon or read a devotional urging us to “love one another more,” it can seem overwhelming and impossible. In our passage, Paul says in verse 10 to “practice IT.” What is “it”? He is referring to what he said in verse 9: “for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” So when he continues in verse 10 and exhorts the Thessalonians (and us) to “excel still more,” he is urging us to dig deep into our well and show love and really be intentional about it. If you’ve ever worked out with a partner, you know that they push you more than you would be pushed if you were working out by yourself. “Just one more rep” they may say or “one more minute.” The extra push helps us in the moment. May we turn to Paul as our spiritual workout partner from history to push us to “excel still more” and be intentional about loving one another one act of love at a time.
What can you do today to “excel still more” in loving your brother or sister in Christ? Who can you reach out to via text right now and encourage?
