‘Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.’

I Thessalonians 3:11-13

In 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13, the apostle Paul prays for the Thessalonian church, asking God to increase their love for one another and for all people. This prayer is not only relevant for the Thessalonians but for us today as well.

One of the most challenging things for believers is to maintain a loving attitude toward others, especially when we ourselves face difficult circumstances. However, we can find comfort in Psalms 37:1–5, which reminds us to trust in the Lord and do good, and delight ourselves in Him. When we focus on the Lord and His goodness, our hearts are filled with love and compassion for others.

Paul understood the importance of loving one another and how it impacts our witness to those (unsaved) around us. When we demonstrate genuine love towards others, it reflects the love of Christ in us and draws people closer to Him.

Therefore, let us pray like Paul, that our love for one another and for all people may increase and abound. We love other believers because we are brothers and sisters in Christ and we love the unsaved person because Christ loves them so much that He died for them. We must strive to love like Christ loves the world.

‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ‘

John 3:16

So let us strive to love one another and to be a reflection of Christ’s love to those around us, so that they (the lost) may come to know Him and experience the same love and grace that we have received.

These verses in Romans 12 are a good reminder for us:

‘Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’

Romans 12:9-21