1 Advent, Friday

Do so more and more

As Paul wraps up his first letter to the church at Thessalonika, he urges them to continue demonstrating their love for one another and for the wider community of Christians.

"You do not need to have anyone write to you," he says, "for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more" (1 Thess. 4:9-10).

In his commentary on 1 Thessalonians in The Illustrated Bible Handbook, Edward P. Blair notes that, "Christians are to go on becoming, by God's gracious help, what they already are in principle. One does not progress to holiness but in holiness, according to Paul" (Blair 312).

This growth in holiness is Paul's theme -- growth in the face of persecution, of misunderstanding, of idleness and other ethical dilemmas. Paul urges the Thessalonians to stay focused on love rather than controversy, "to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one" (1 Thess. 4:11-12).

Where in your life have you been distracted by controversy or gossip from the life of love and the growth in holiness that you are meant for? How is God calling you today to do more and more?