1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NIV)
It was a Saturday morning in July, and we made the trip to Krispy Kreme doughnuts for a little treat. We waited in the long line, I am sure there was a little grumbling due to how slow it seemed to be going, but we had driven all the way there, so we were willing to wait. As we pulled up to the window to pay, I went to hand over my credit card and was told that there was no need to pay, someone had covered my bill. So I wanted to pay it forward and pay for the car behind me, but was told, sorry, that one is paid for as well. At that moment, I felt humbled and blessed by a stranger I would never know or meet.
This may seem like a small gesture by someone, but this is what these verses in 1 Thessalonians is talking about. In this passage, Paul is expressing his thankfulness for the people of Thessalonia and their commitment to the Christian faith and showing God’s love to each other. If we are Christians and we have overflowing love for God, we need to make sure that others feel that love.
We are currently in our first week of Advent. This is the time of year that it seems that everyone is looking for ways to spread love and do things for others. Non-profit organizations often use this time of year to ask for donations because they know during the Christmas season, people are looking for ways to bless others. My challenge to everyone is to let your love overflow to others throughout the year. While it is important to spread love this time of year, as Christians we need to let our love overflow all year.
May we all spread the love of Christ this Christmas season and throughout the year! And thank you if you were the one who paid my Krispy Kreme bill in July!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever been a recipient of the overflowing Christian love from someone else?
- How will you bless others this Christmas season?
- How will you continue to bless others all year long to show your overflowing love for God?
Prayer:
God of all, thank you for your overflowing love for all of us. Spur in our hearts the way to show others our overflowing love for your and others in our actions this Christmas season and throughout the year. I may not always have the words to describe my love for You, but help me show it in my actions. Amen.
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