Abounding love

“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.”

As we come away from the Thanksgiving holiday and transition into the Advent season, this verse in today’s Scripture reminds us to thank God for what joy we are feeling and relish the love that is in our lives.

I think sometimes we can get distracted by the ups and downs of daily life and forget to pass on the love. If we remember the abounding love, the peace like a river, the strength in our hearts, we can make it past the daily qualms and struggles that come with force into our lives. Seek out those struggles and do away with them, for your heart will be strengthened, which will provide you with the ability to give and receive the love that is out there for the taking.

Additionally, in this time of family, friendship and community, it is important for us to remember that the abounding love that we are feeling should be passed on to those that are not as fortunate. Paul writes this letter to the Thessalonian congregation, supporting them through prayer and encouragement. I invite you to do the same in your congregation or your community today.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NRSV)

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? ¹⁰Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

¹¹Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. ¹²And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. ¹³And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.