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Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 2

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Christ’s love completely captivates Paul. God’s love through Jesus unleashes Paul to love the Thessalonians without reservation. Paul compares his love for them to the love of a mother. It is tender and self-sacrificing. He loves out of the fullness of God’s love for him. Elsewhere, Paul encourages believers to “…walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).” For Paul, the gospel is the ultimate message of love. He knows when believers grasp this love, they are free to give it to others because it was freely given to them.

Sometimes, we struggle to love others well because we do not feel loved. We feel like a well that has run dry. There is nothing left to give. The gospel empowers us to love others, even the challenging people. Jesus promises to fill us to overflowing (John 10:10). His well of love is deep and never-ending. When we receive God’s love through the gospel, we become more capable of loving others. The more we fall in love with Christ and his work on the cross, the deeper our well of love for others becomes.

TODAY: Keep God’s love at the forefront of your mind. On a sticky note or mobile device, write: “I am ______________, God’s beloved child.” Then, join Ada Bible Worship as they sing “Blessed Assurance.” Stand in the assurance that your heavenly Father loves you.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Ezra 7-8. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Observe Ezra’s devotion to God’s Word. Think about how Jesus is the living Word of God (John 1:1,14).