What does it mean to truly love someone? In our culture, love is often described as a feeling, a sentiment, or a sense of duty. We love people because of how they make us feel or because of what we have in common.
But as we look at Paul’s letter to the young church in Thessalonica, we see a different kind of love. It is a love that is burdened, active, and deeply purposeful. It is a love that is inextricably tied to growth.
The “Ultimate Good”
Paul was 500 kilometers away in Athens, separated from the Thessalonians by force. Yet, he speaks of them with an intensity that feels like he is right there with them. He isn’t just missing their company; he is concerned about their faith. C.S. Lewis famously defined love as: “A steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.”
For the Christian, the “ultimate good” is to become who we were created to be—people who bear the image of Jesus. Therefore, to love someone in the church is to want, seek, and pursue their growth as a disciple. Whether it’s in our Gospel Communities, our DNA groups, or our parenting, our love for one another should be measured by our commitment to seeing each other become more like Christ.
1. The Gospel as the Basis of Love
Why did Paul care so much? His love wasn’t just about being a “good person” or obeying a command. It was rooted in his conversion.
When Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus, He asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul wasn’t attacking Jesus physically; he was attacking Christians. In that moment, Paul realized a “crazy interconnectedness” between Jesus and His people. To touch a believer is to touch Jesus.
Because the Risen Jesus is so deeply connected to His people, the “best good” for any person is to be connected to Him. The Gospel doesn’t just tell us to love; it provides the basis for it. We love because we believe the Gospel is the best possible news for the person sitting next to us.
2. The Importance of Love Known
There is a cautionary tale in the life of the 18th-century pastor Jonathan Edwards. He was a brilliant theologian who loved his church deeply, yet his congregation eventually voted him out. Why? Many believe it was because his love was never known.
Paul does the opposite. He lets the Thessalonians know exactly how he feels. He knows that truth without love can feel like a power play. If we want the truth of the Gospel to be believable in our community, our love cannot stay hidden. It must be visible. When people know they are loved, the truth we speak becomes palatable and real.
3. Staying Alert: Three Things to Watch
As we pursue this “growth-tied love,” Paul warns us that we are in a spiritual battle. He highlights three things we must be aware of:
The Enemy: Satan works against love because he works against discipleship. We cannot be passive. When disunity creeps in, we must fight for love.
Prayer: Paul prays for love to “increase and overflow.” Prayer is the means by which the Holy Spirit grows our hearts for one another.
The Parousia (The Return of Jesus): Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are his “glory and joy” at the return of Jesus. Our greatest satisfaction at the end of time will be seeing the people we loved standing holy and blameless in His presence.
Key Takeaways
Love is Purposeful: Christian love is not just about being nice; it is a commitment to another person’s growth as a disciple of the risen Jesus.
Interconnectedness: Because of the Gospel, we are so connected to Christ that how we treat one another is how we treat Him.
Visibility Matters: For the truth of our message to be believable, our love for one another must be expressed and felt, not just kept as an internal sentiment.
Active Resistance: We must be alert to the “tempter” who seeks to bring disunity or stagnation and fight for each other’s faith through prayer.
Discussion Questions
How does defining love as a “wish for someone’s growth” change how you view your Gospel Community or DNA group?
Paul’s teaching was more “believable” because his love was known. How can you make your love for your brothers and sisters more visible this week?
In what areas of your life are you tempted to be “passive” rather than “fighting for love” against the enemy’s influence?