Central Truth

Paul tells the Thessalonians that they have been taught brotherly love by God and that they express this love to their brothers.   He also exhorts them, as Christians, to do more to love others who are not their brothers in Christ throughout Macedonia and to learn from each other.

Reflections

I became a believer and accepted Christ at an early age. Although I went to church periodically throughout my life, I was never truly involved for any period of time.  I knew other Christians and often associated with them, but not with any organization or on a regular basis.  During this time, I read the Bible from time to time, but never really studied God’s word.

This began to change when a long-time friend invited me to attend a small group when Grace Community Church was just starting. I started attending church regularly and looked forward to attending group each week.  I learned how to study the word of God, as well as how God wanted me to act towards others– both Christians and non-Christians. 

As we studied the Bible in our small group, my attitude towards life changed dramatically. I realized that we are only here for a short time in the grand scheme of things, and that God has sent us here to impact others in our daily lives, so that they might be drawn to Christ.  This made me think about how I interacted with others and if I was doing so in a way that would be pleasing to God.

This first manifested itself when I got angry with someone because they handled a situation in a way that I did not agree with.  I reacted inappropriately and immediately thought “What does God think of how I just handled this situation?”  I realized that in such situations God wants us to show grace and brotherly love as Christians, as opposed to being angry or judgmental.   

This is what Paul was talking about as he encouraged the Thessalonians to express their “brotherly love” to all men, both Christians and non-Christians.  Through my involvement with small groups and regular study of God’s word, I have learned how to love others and live my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you know how God expects you to act towards your Christian and non-Christian brothers and sisters?
2. When in a confrontational situation, do you ever stop and think - What does God think about how I am handling this?
3. What are you doing to set an example for others of how God wants us to treat our brothers and sisters?