Love abounds

Every morning as I have shared my devotions with you, it has been a wonderful journey. Some days the journey has been more challenging than others. There have been days you may have said I can’t take another challenge or that this is too difficult. I must admit that it is different and takes a renewed mind to learn to love our enemies and to forgive those who have not met our expectations. It is hard to love those we are in covenant with such as friends, family, spouses, and church family. I want to encourage you this morning with the words of Paul to the church at Thessalonica. 2Thessolonians 1:3 KJ2000 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds;” A different version of the same 2Thessalonians 1:3 Easy English “You are like brothers and sisters to us, and we ought to thank God because of you always. We should thank him because you are learning to believe Christ more and more. And each of you is loving each of the other Christians more and more.” 

One commentator wrote this, “Their faith multiplied, and their love abounded: and this was not the case with some distinguished characters only; it was the case with every one of them.” The encouragement that Paul received was each one in the church grew, not just a few. In a pandemic, the surrounding atmosphere affects everyone. We have an ever-increasing awareness of our loved ones during these periods. How we care for one another, pray for one another, and sacrifice for one another. This is not just a few, but for every one of you who loves His appearance. We are all impacted no matter what precautions we take and what preventative measures we implore. 

I have seen good things come from such challenges and a more thought-provoking journey with those around us. Truly, the challenges have changed the way we think toward one another and allowed growth in and around us. Remember love is the first fruit mentioned in Galatians and in Corinthians we are told that the greatest thing is love. We are told the world lacks love and Christians are no longer the source of that love. We are told that it has no place in our lives and must be guarded and gingerly given. 

Each day, as I read your responses to the devotions, I am assured love is as much alive and needed today as when it was first shared with mankind. Though we see the cruelty and lack of love since the time of Cain and Abel, we also see the love and grace shared in each book from Genesis to Revelation. Continue to love even when it does not seem to make a difference. You may say, “What’s the point?” The point is that not only are a few affected by your choice to love, but all are affected. Even those who reject the love. 

In closing, I’m reminded of Judas that betrayed Jesus. The love shown to him was so impacting that even in his demon-possessed state, he realized and regretted his actions. Love made a difference as he threw down the rewards of betrayal and realized he had truly been loved. You see beloved we never know the impact our love has on others nor the conviction of the hearts of those we come in contact with. You all have a field to plant to grow fruit worthy of your calling and to now make a difference. Then the words written by Paul will be true in our lives as well. “And the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds; (y el Amor de cada uno de ustedes hacia los demás abunda)” More and More. (Más y más.). 

God bless you, my beloved.