Our Love Should Grow And Overflow

1 Thess 3:13 says, “May He, as a result, make your heart strong, blameless, and holy, as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people.” The Message says it like this, “May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God…”

But as a result of what? Ahh... verse 12 answers that: your love for one another and all people.

My commentary says, “There is no holiness in men naturally. What is in them without grace of God, is only a show. True holiness is from the Spirit of God.”

It’s love that fulfills the requirements of the law (Rom 13:10), and it’s the band of perfection (Col 3:14).

Scripture tells us that we should not be satisfied with the forgiveness of our past sins. God’s eternal aim for us is holiness. And it should be our aim too. Holiness is the alteration of thoughts, affection, and conduct. It’s seeking clean hands and a pure heart.

Holiness as defined by the Webster’s dictionary translated from the King James Bible, defines holiness like this, “purity or integrity of moral character, freedom from sin, purity of heart, sanctified affections, moral goodness (but not perfect), that which is separated for the service of God.

And so we’re required to evaluate ourself against His requirement for holiness. And it’s more than just the passing of an examination. My commentary says, “This is not education.” God is looking for more than temporary memorization of His Word. He’s looking for application and transformation as a result of our faithful obedience and adherence to His directives. And love is the greatest directive given.

Holiness springs from love.

Be encouraged that God will never expect more of us than is humanly possible. So stand firm in the fact that you have the potential within you for holiness through Jesus Christ!

Our love should grow and overflow!