But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12

What a great message for the Church “Brotherly Love”. The Apostle Paul commended the Church for their display of love towards one another, however Paul beseeches or urges the Church to love each other even more! There is so much division and coldness in the body of Christ today, this is a message that should be preached from every pulpit

I find it ironic that Paul teaches this lesson right before he gives his teaching on the Rapture. I don’t know if that teaching caused as much division back in the 1rst century as it has today, but I can’t believe the division I see with brothers and sisters over the timing of the Rapture. It’s heartbreaking to watch and read the comments exchanged by Christians over their disagreement over a non-salvational issue.

Notice the Apostle Paul said “You yourselves are taught by God to love one another” This isn’t a suggestion or teaching by Paul, this is a commandment by Christ. Jesus said “ A new command I give to you, love one another as I loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34) To hate your brother or sister in Christ is a sin against God, we need to reconcile our differences, we need to repent and submit to Christ Jesus our Lord

So how should the Christian live their life? Paul teaches us “you should aspire or study to be quiet, to do your own business, to work with your own hands” We should strive to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18) We shouldn’t be trying to stir up trouble, we should mind our own business, and we should be willing to take care of yourself. I know this is easier said than done, however this is why our Christian walk is a daily walk of carry our crosses and following Christ (Matthew 16:24)

Paul says “That you may walk honestly toward them that are without” Christians should be noticeably different or separate from non-believers. People should be able to identify you as a Christian by the way your behave and live your life. We need to be good examples for non-believers and our neighbors. 

As the Apostle Paul said “Let brotherly love continue or keep loving one another as brothers and sisters “ (Hebrews 13:1) in Jesus name Amen!