“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.”
1 Thessalonians 3:12 (ESV)
Background:
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonian believers to encourage them in their faith. In this verse, Paul prays that their love would grow and overflow, not just for fellow believers but for everyone. His prayer reflects the heart of God—that His people would be known by abundant, ever-growing love that touches both the church and the world.
At the time, the Thessalonians faced persecution, yet Paul urged them to respond with love, not bitterness. This verse reminds us that love isn’t something we produce on our own—it’s a gift from God that He grows within us.
Devotional:
Love isn’t meant to be stagnant—it’s meant to increase and abound. God desires that our love expands beyond our comfort zones and reaches those around us, even when it’s challenging.
To “abound in love,” means:
- Loving beyond convenience – Choosing love even when it’s not easy.
- Loving beyond boundaries – Extending grace to people outside our inner circle.
- Loving as Christ loves – A love that is selfless, forgiving, and ever-growing.
Paul’s prayer isn’t just for the Thessalonians—it’s for us too. As we draw closer to God, He enlarges our hearts, giving us the capacity to love more deeply, more freely, and more like Jesus.
Are you willing to let God stretch your heart today?
Reflection:
- Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through you today?
- Are there areas where your love has grown cold or limited?
- How can you practice abounding in love beyond your usual circle?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, fill my heart with Your love so that it overflows to those around me. Help me to love beyond my own strength and comfort, reflecting Your grace and kindness in all I do. Teach me to see others as You see them and to extend love even when it’s difficult. May my love increase and abound, just as Yours does. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application:
- Pray daily for a greater capacity to love.
- Take one intentional step today to show love to someone you may have overlooked.
- Ask God to help you love someone difficult in your life.
Takeaway:
Love is not meant to be limited—it is meant to grow, overflow, and reach everyone.
💡 How will you abound in love today? Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you’re committing to love more like Jesus!
#AboundInLove #1Thessalonians312 #DailyDevotional #LoveLikeJesus #FaithInAction
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