November 27, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
9Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,
Questions for Reflection:
Paul uses a unique figure of speech known as a paralipsis to begin this passage. A paralipsis is when you give emphasis to something by saying little or nothing about it. One example would be if you said, “not to mention the millions that they owe.” What is Paul emphasizing through this method?
Paul encouraged them in their love. The word translated “love” in the NIV is philadelphia, the same word that the city in Pennsylvania was named after. Literally, the word can be translated “brotherly love.” The church at Thessalonica had demonstrated their concern not just for each other, but for others throughout the whole region of Macedonia. They understood that the church was bigger than their own unique gathering, but rather it was all the followers of Jesus around them. It would do us good to remember that we play a part in what God is doing in our communities, but He is at work in and through others as well. When we join together for events like City Serve Day or the Global Leadership Summit, we are demonstrating the power of the church united. Beyond those two examples, where have you seen the power of the broader church at work? How can you play a part in making sure that happens “more and more”?