Paul acknowledges that the Thessalonian believers already understand the concept of brotherly love. "But concerning brotherly love, you have no need for me to write to you." The implication is that the foundation of love has been well established within the community. This could be attributed to the teachings they received and their responsiveness to God's guidance.
- Divine Instruction in Love:
"For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another..."
The source of their understanding and practice of brotherly love is attributed to divine instruction. Paul emphasizes that their capacity to love is a result of being taught by God Himself. This underscores the transformative role of God's guidance in shaping believers' attitudes and actions.
- Expansive Love Across Regions:
"...For indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia."
The scope of their love extends beyond their immediate community to encompass believers in the broader region of Macedonia. The Thessalonians are commended for not limiting their love to a select few but demonstrating a genuine concern for all fellow believers in the surrounding area.
- Encouragement to Increase in Love:
"But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more..."
Despite their commendable practice of brotherly love, Paul encourages them to abound and increase in it. This is a call for continuous growth, a reminder that love is not stagnant but should be a dynamic and ever-expanding aspect of their Christian walk.
Theological Significance: God's Role in Love and Continuous Growth
- Divine Initiation of Love:
The acknowledgment that the Thessalonians are taught by God emphasizes the divine initiation of love. It underscores the role of God in shaping believers' attitudes and behaviors, particularly in the realm of love.
- Continuous Growth in Love:
The call to abound more and more in brotherly love emphasizes the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Love is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of deepening and expanding one's capacity to care for others.
Identifying Marks of Discipleship:
The reciprocal relationship between love and discipleship, highlighted in John 13:34-35, suggests that genuine love is an identifying mark of true discipleship. The Thessalonians' love for one another serves as a testament to their commitment to following Christ.
Practical Implications: Cultivating and Expressing Love
- Reflecting on God's Teachings:
Believers are encouraged to reflect on the teachings they receive from God. The recognition that divine instruction plays a crucial role in shaping our capacity to love calls for a contemplative and receptive posture toward God's Word.
- Expanding the Scope of Love:
The Thessalonians' example challenges believers to broaden the scope of their love. It encourages a mindset that goes beyond local boundaries, demonstrating genuine care for the broader community of believers.
- Continuous Growth in Love:
The call to abound more and more in brotherly love is a reminder that love is a virtue that can always deepen and expand. It prompts believers to assess their current expressions of love and seek opportunities for further growth.
Cross-References:
John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." Jesus' command to love one another serves as a foundational principle. The Thessalonians' demonstration of brotherly love aligns with Jesus' teachings and affirms their identity as disciples.
Romans 12:10: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Paul's exhortation to the Romans echoes the theme of brotherly love. The idea of outdoing one another in showing honor reflects the concept of abounding more and more in love.
Conclusion - Love as a Divine Lesson and Continuous Journey: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 encapsulates the beautiful intersection of divine instruction and human responsiveness in the context of brotherly love. It affirms that love is not only a virtue to be practiced but a lesson to be learned from God, and it encourages believers to embark on a continuous journey of abounding more and more in love.
See also: vs 11-12
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10. Concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more.