“Love You, Man”

As we are regularly reminded, our Christian story is blighted by brokenness—denominational fragmentation, participation in oppression and relational failure. Yet, there is another side to our Christian narrative, where relational love abounds. Some passages of Scripture exhort this directly (e.g., 1 Cor. 13; John 13:34,35; Matt. 5:44–48). Others, like this one, speak of such relationships in real life. We read here of Paul and his team’s deep love for the Thessalonians. We can almost hear Paul’s sigh of relief when he hears “good news” (6) from Timothy that they are standing strong in suffering and that Paul’s love is reciprocated. This love is seen in the pathos of this letter, Paul calling them “brothers and sisters” and “saints” and in his “longing to see” them. Like an absent parent, he yearns to be with his kids (cf. 1 Thess. 2:7,11). Indeed, he pleads with God for the opportunity. Letters, emails, calls and texts, Facebook and Skype are great, but nothing can replace being together as family. The Thessalonians similarly remember and long for Paul and his team. Such is Christian relationship—mutual longing. So moved is Paul that his heart wells up in prayer, pleading with God to make a way for him to come.
He also prays that the Thessalonians’ love may overflow for one another (1 Thess. 1:3). He prays that this love will overflow into the wider community. As Paul elsewhere says, “Do everything in love” (1 Cor. 16:14). A recent story illustrates this kind of love. A man was stabbed in the heart in a violent altercation. While standing in court, the accused suddenly changed his plea to “guilty,” apologized and asked for forgiveness. The victim responded, “Anytime.” The two men embraced and the victim said, “Love you, man.” This is the kind of love that changes the world.

Consider the state of your church. Are the believers showing love? Pray for a fresh outpouring of love on yourself and that the church will overflow with God’s love.