Love that Overflows

“And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you.” I Thessalonians 3:12

The believers at Thessalonica were already known for their loving spirit. Paul started his letter with a reference to their labor of love. Yet Paul prayed that their love would increase and abound.

The Greek word translated “abound” also means to overflow. Love is something that starts on the inside and reaches others only when there is an overflow.

Such an abundant source of love is found only in Jesus Christ. It is the Lord Who causes such an increase and Paul acknowledges this in his petition.

The believers were to love each other first, but that was the beginning. From there, their love was to reach all men. Paul’s own love served as an example to them of Christ’s love.

This prayer had a definite answer. In Paul’s second to the Thessalonians he says, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.” II Thessalonians 1:3

The same God Who answered the Apostle’s prayer is available to hear yours today.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7