February 9 -- "Loving Others Extravagantly"

 ►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read 1 Thessalonians 3

Our God is an abundant God—overflowing with love, grace, and mercy—and He calls us to reflect this abundance in our love for others. In today’s Scripture, Paul prays for the believers to grow in this divine love, mirroring the lavish and unending love of our Lord.

The Bible reveals God's character as abundant in goodness and love: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8). God does not give sparingly but lavishes His love upon us. Paul’s prayer echoes this divine trait; he asks for love not just to grow but to overflow, reaching beyond the church and touching the lives of everyone. This is the nature of our abundant God: He continually gives, and He desires His children to live with the same generous spirit.

The term "increase" suggests growth or expansion. When it comes to love, it means expanding our ability to love, continually adding more to what we already possess. "Abound," however, implies an overflow and abundance—having plenty, existing in large quantities. To "abound" in love means having a bountiful, extravagant love that goes beyond mere sufficiency.

Imagine two apple trees. One is young and healthy, steadily growing with a few apples appearing on its branches. This represents "increase" – a small love growing into something more significant. The other tree is mature, overflowing with ripe, juicy apples, practically begging to be shared. This represents "abound" – a plentiful love that blesses everyone around it.

If God’s love is abundant, then we, as His image-bearers, are called to love with the same abundance. This is about letting His love fill and flow through us. Are there areas where your love has run dry? Perhaps toward a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger? God does not want us to ration love but to give freely, trusting that He will replenish us.

Ask God to fill you with His abundant love so you can love with an open hand and an open heart. Step out in faith to show love extravagantly—through kindness, forgiveness, and service. Reflect His character by loving others as He has loved you.

May the God of abundance fill you to overflowing with His steadfast love. May you abound in grace and kindness, becoming a vessel of His limitless love to a world in need.