“May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you.” (v.12)
A church is more than the number of its members, or a state-of-the-art building. Whether your church has stadium size crowds or just a few in attendance, numbers are not what God uses to measure success. He looks at the heart of the church.
The apostle Paul planted an important church in Thessalonica, the capital city of Macedonia. He showed his desire for the church members there when he wrote: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all . . . so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness” (vv.12-13). With these words, Paul showed us two important characteristics vital for a successful body of believers—love for one another and holiness.
In the words of the prophet Micah: “do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). Any church doing this will be successful in His service. When I look around at our small fellowship I think to myself, we are so lucky. We have a very special love for one another and to all who come our way. Our hearts and minds are constantly being feed that we may be established in holiness that we may serve Him and others. We are more than just a gathering of people on Sunday. We are a tight knit community willing and able to serve our King and one another. It's beautiful!
The Truth “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
