One Another’s (Part VIII)
(More Than Enough)


“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow

for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”

(1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV)

Christ gives us more than enough; more grace, more mercy, joy, protection, and love. If we could ever just imagine all the things the Lord provides for us, we would be truly overwhelmed. Just knowing the times He protects us from dangers we never even see would be enough! We all gladly and appreciatively receive all He gives; who in their right mind would want to say “NO” to His gracious gifts toward us?


Now that we have so much in Christ, what are we doing with them? All Christ asks of us is to share what He had done for us. No, He’s not asking all of us to die for anyone (though we might); He’s not asking us to suffer beatings as he did (though we might); He’s simply asking all of us to share, by how we live, what we say, and how we give. We are asked to be His disciple and His representatives in this world. What we have received from Christ, we are to give away to others in need. His love, His grace, His mercy is not to be hoarded, but freely and actively shared.


The NET Bible reads, “And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you.” Paul urges us to be overflowing and increasing in our love toward not just believers, but to all. He also was speaking from his example to them. He walked the talk! We just can’t talk about love and grace; we need to live it out in abundant ways for ALL to see! No room for phoniness, just a life of selfless living and giving. Read this recent account I read as researching this verse:

So then, let us put aside sins of pride, arrogance, and “me-first,” thinking and let us really and truly give thought and action to the good of others. Is there someone who needs your help? Can you give it? If not, why not? Is God honored by your decision? I realize that we cannot help every person, but surely we can help someone, with something! Is there a person that needs love and affection or food and water or spiritual instruction and discipleship? Go and help them. Or, find someone who can help them; perhaps you have a book that would help them or a skill that would meet their needs. Can you carry a friend’s burden? Is someone worried about their errant teenager? Is there a family that struggles with making ends meet? Has someone recently passed away, leaving a struggling and hurting family behind? Are there elderly people in your town or city that need care and attention? Are there policemen, politicians, and social workers who need encouragement and blessing? Go. Bless them in the name of Christ, share the gospel, draw close, and in the strength that only God can supply serve into the needs, speaking the truth in love. May God give us both the stubborn faith of the Thessalonians and their persistent love for others.[1]

[1] Herrick, Greg Th.M., Ph.D., Stubborn Faith and Persistent Love, Copyright 2007. bible.org