I Thessalonians 3:12 “and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;”

WISHING

Can I get a little technical with you? You need to see this. The two verbs, “increase” and “abound” are in the optative mood. What that does is express a wish. Paul is making a wish, not that the Lord would give you His love, but that you would increase and abound in love. Paul knew that the Lord would give you all the love you need to share with others. There’s an unlimited supply. You just have to let the Lord fill you with it.

Have your kids ever made a wish for something? Sure they have. Every birthday they make a wish before they blow out the candles, right? They make a wish list for Christmas. As their parent you pretty much know what they are going to wish for, don’t you? And most of the time you already have that wish item waiting for them, don’t you? Now if you are able to “foresee” your child’s wish, don’t you think the Lord knows what you need BEFORE you even know it?

TEACHING MOMENT

Use this verse today to show your kids how the Lord wants to give them what they need to love others. All they have to do is ask. Tell them that you may not be able to always give them everything they ask for, but the Lord will always bless them with the love they need. Then they can share His love for others.

Who do you need to love today? Guess what? You can’t do it! But the Lord can through you. He can cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all the people. Will you let Him? Will you reach out to that unlovable person in your life? Will you let Him love them through you? He wants to use you to love them.