1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
In this text, the apostle commended the Thessalonians for the love they exhibited in their lives, especially toward all the brethren in Macedonia.
It is interesting that their expressions of brotherly love extended beyond congregational boundaries. While our work is centered within the congregational construct, we have a brothers or sisters wherever God has children.
Though Paul was impressed with their expressions of brotherly love, he exhorted them to more lofty heights; both in the expression of that love, and in their execution of the Christian life.
They were to avoid conflict and gossip. They were to be industrious. They were to develop a good reputation, even toward those who were not Christians.
Such admonitions are important as we consider that our faith impacts every part of our lives. Only when we give each area sufficient attention can it be said that we “lack nothing” (vs. 12).
