1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

1 Thes. 4:9-12 (ESV) "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, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."

What does it mean to be taught by God to love one another? Paul is making it clear, that it is not his teaching, but God's. It is not him and his companions doing the work and sharing the good news, it is the Holy Spirit. He will always teach us to love one another. What a beautiful thing it is that we receive by giving; we are loved through loving others.

We also know this teaching comes from the Lord because it results in application. Paul tells us that these Thessalonians were taught to love and then demonstrated love to their brothers throughout Macedonia.

Paul's urging here for these believers to do this more and more is key. The examples he gives of living a simple life means we set our minds to living for others and not self. It is the promotion of others that honors the Lord.

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