The new command is that we love one another. Love in the Scriptures is defined as the giving of one’s self through immediate or indirect sacrifice.
Paul tells the Thessalonians that they did not need instruction on this point – they were known for their love to all the brethren who were in the region of Macedonia. But he still says, “we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more.” This plea to increase is not an implied criticism.
We walk to please God, but must take care to do so more and more. We love the brethren, but must make a point to increase in this more and more.
The blood drive yesterday was just one example. Many gave, and a number gave far beyond their personal desires or inclinations. Others helped out in other ways, and many others of you who were not involved in that particular gift are deeply involved in other works of mercy and kindness. God calls and equips us as He wills, and we answer to Him on the particulars. As a congregation called by the name of Christ, you need to hear a well done. There is no admonition or rebuke here. Your kindness and hospitality and generosity and sacrifice are apparent and appreciated. Indeed, there is so much of it here that we cannot explain it as any form of mechanical obedience. No, the grace in our midst in this congregation is alive.
But here is the point that Paul is making. Living things grow – and this is no criticism of the previous stage of growth. Well done – but sink your roots further into Christ, and look for Him to bring forth more fruit in the years to come than we imagined possible. In all of this, live as the people of grace.