As Paul wrote to the Christians who comprised the church in Thessalonica, he reminded them of their obligation to "love one another." This is nothing new; in fact it's a core concept of Christianity that we've already covered in a previous study (please refer to January 2). But the command to love one another is particularly important in this passage because Paul goes on to define a dimension of what it truly means to love:
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT)
Notice how Paul makes the connection between loving each other and leading an exemplary lifestyle. He's telling us that our love for one another is going to be expressed in the example that we set for one another. If we truly care about those whom God has placed around us, we'll want to provide them with the best example we possibly can.
If we set a sinful example, there's a good chance that those we love will also be influenced to sin. But on the other hand, if we set a spiritual example, there's a good chance they will be influenced to be more spiritual.
When we set a godly example, it's an example of our love for one another. We do our best because we want what's best for them.
What difference does love make in our spiritual life?
Who has God placed in your life for you to be an example to? |
