First Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13        

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

God is love. So declares the apostle John in his first letter general to the entire church. In our reading for this week, the apostle Paul teaches the fruit of that great declaration when he encourages the young church in Thessalonica to be a people of love. Tangible, focused, flesh-and-blood love to those in need. And what is most interesting about that charge? Everyone is a target. Everyone needs the love of God expressed for them in Jesus Christ.

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.”

1 Thessalonians 3:12

What a marvelous prayer. May our Lord answer that for us no matter where He has placed us. As we begin this new church year may our hearts burn with a desire for the nations to bow before our God … as their God. Amen!