“Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other, and in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).

Here are three things to learn from this passage. First, God Himself teaches each believer to love the brothers and sisters in the church. This isn’t something that needs to be taught. A true believer has this sense that we are connected to the body of Christ, and we serve one another. Serving one another is the definition of Christian love, not “feelings”.

Secondly, the church in Macedonia (a Province, or state) practiced Christian love on a regular basis. When the saints act out the love of Christ, everyone wins and the Kingdom advances. Although they didn’t even know some of the believers in that state, they still acted in love.

Thirdly, Paul felt it important to challenge the believers to grow or increase loving one another. Sometimes we become weary in well doing, and get careless. If a Spirit of Apathy sets into the church, its love dries up and people don’t care about one another. Paul urged them to keep focusing on the main thing. New Year’s Resolution: I will be determined in loving my brothers and sisters.