How to Love and Live

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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (MSG)

            Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You’re already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it.

11–12       Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you to live in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.

Devotion:

In the bustling rhythm of life, the Apostle Paul’s words to the Thessalonians resonate with a timeless melody, urging us to live a life of love and quiet ambition. This 'quiet ambition' is not about worldly success or recognition, but about a humble and diligent pursuit of our responsibilities and relationships. “Just love one another! You’re already good at it… But we urge you to do it more and more. And do make it your ambition to lead a quiet life… mind your own business, and work with your hands… so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and you will not depend on anybody.”

Paul’s exhortation calls us to a counter-cultural lifestyle, one that values the quiet strength of daily faithfulness over the clamor of worldly success. It reminds us that our most profound witness to the world is not found in grand gestures but in the simple acts of love we extend to those around us.

To love more and more reflects the heart of God, who is love itself. It’s a love that doesn’t seek attention or accolades but pours itself out in service and kindness. It’s a love that builds community, fosters unity, and heals wounds.

Leading a quiet life is not about withdrawing from the world but about choosing a demeanor of peace and contentment. It’s about finding joy in the ordinary, embracing the tasks before us, and doing them well. These tasks, when done with love and faithfulness, can bring a sense of fulfillment and joy. It’s about being present in the moment, attentive to the needs of others, and faithful in our responsibilities.

Minding our own business and working with our hands speaks to the dignity of labor and the importance of personal integrity. It’s a call to be productive and self-sufficient, to contribute to society, and to care for the needs of our families and communities. Upholding personal integrity in our work and interactions is a key aspect of living a life of love and faithfulness.

As we heed Paul’s words, we find that our daily lives become a living testimony. Our quiet diligence earns the respect of those outside the faith, and our independence, which is not about self-sufficiency but about relying on God's provision, becomes a testament to His faithfulness and care for us.

In a world that often equates value with volume, let us embrace the quiet strength of a life lived in love. This life, lived in love, is of immense value and significance, speaking volumes through its gentle whisper. It is a life that is cherished and celebrated, both by those around us and by God.

Prayer:

            May we heed the Holy Spirit’s advice as He speaks through Paul in this passage. We are called to be counter-cultural leaders, living peaceful, faithful, and love-filled lives. Let us be peaceful and relaxed people in the world, always pointing to the hope we have in Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives. Lord, glorify your name through us. May our lives be lived in complete trust in your love for us. Amen. 

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