The Foundation of it All, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Love--it is a message that we hear and read over and over again. Our portion of Scripture this morning implores us that love would increase more and more. But how can that happen? Paul, in verse 9 tells us that we have been taught by God how to love! How has God loved us--sacrificially! Jesus came that we might know Him and love one another through the love that He pours into each of us.

Part of loving is living our lives in a way that is according to God's will and holiness. God has called us to live a holy life. Verse 8 goes to the point that if we reject this message we are not rejecting man but God! How can we live this kind of life that demands holiness and increasing love? We live this life through the power of the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

As we look at all that is happening in our country right now--the demands for equality etc--needs to be heard for the basis of it--not the violence of it! Violence never solved anything. We must understand that God has created us all in His image and we are to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, a loving life. one where we work with our own hands so that we can make an impact in others lives. Today we are witnessing the battle between good and evil, between love and hate. As believers we are to make a difference through living our lives in such a way that honors God's will and way, His love and care, His peace and comfort.

Friends, prayer is the key. Loving God and one another fervently is the foundation of it all. Let us strive to be all we can be for the Lord and for one another. If we work towards love we will find a peace and grace in our lives that not only will bring comfort to our hearts but enable us to bring that peace and comfort to others.