September 07 2026

September 07 Monday

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

Taught by God to Love

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we move from Paul's teaching about holiness to another great mark of the Christian life—love. First Thessalonians 4:9 says: “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” The word translated “brotherly love” is philadelphia—the affectionate love that should exist between brothers and sisters. Paul uses it to describe the relationship believers should have with one another because, through Jesus Christ, we have become part of the same family. When we trusted Christ, God became our Father. Jesus Christ became our Savior and Lord. And every other believer became our brother or sister in Christ. The church isn't merely an organization we join. It is a family into which we have been born.

But I especially love Paul's statement: “You yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” How does God teach us to love? First, He teaches us by His own example. First John 4:19 says: “We love Him, because He first loved us.” We learn love by looking at the cross. God didn't simply tell us that He loved us. He demonstrated it. Romans 5:8 says: “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” If you ever wonder what love looks like, look at Jesus. Love gives. Love sacrifices. Love forgives. Love serves. Love seeks the good of another.

Then God teaches us to love through His Spirit living within us. Galatians 5:22 says: “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” Love isn't something we manufacture by trying harder. As we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, He produces the love of Christ through us. And apparently these Thessalonian believers had learned that lesson well. Paul says in verse 10: “And indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.” Their love wasn't confined to their own congregation. It had spread throughout Macedonia. Other Christians were experiencing their love. What a testimony! Wouldn't it be wonderful if our churches were known primarily for how deeply we love one another? Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.”

But then Paul adds something very important: “But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more.” There is that expression again! “More and more.” Paul says, “You are already loving people—but don't stop there.” There is always room for our love to grow. Maybe we love those who love us. Can we learn to love those who irritate us? Maybe we love people who agree with us. Can we love those who disagree with us? Maybe we love people who have treated us well. Can we forgive and love someone who has hurt us? That's where God's supernatural love becomes evident.

You see, Christian maturity isn't simply measured by how much Bible knowledge we have. It is also measured by how much we love. First Corinthians 13 reminds us that we can speak with eloquence, possess knowledge, exercise faith, and even make great sacrifices, but without love we are nothing. So perhaps our prayer today should be very simple: “Lord, teach me to love.” Teach me to love my family better. Teach me to love my church family better. Teach me to love difficult people. Teach me to love the lost. Teach me to love the way Jesus loves. And even if we are already doing well, Paul's challenge remains: “Increase more and more.”

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us when we were unlovely and for demonstrating Your love through Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank You for placing us into Your family. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us. Forgive us for the times we have been impatient, critical, bitter, or unforgiving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and produce the love of Christ in our hearts. And Lord, even where love is already present in our lives, help us to increase more and more. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!