The ultimate aim of faith in Jesus Christ is to be transformed into the image of Christ, and into the image of the love of God. The transforming power of God’s love is essential if we are to live with God and Jesus Christ.
The love of God is the only thing that remains into eternity because God is love.
In this scripture today we see the way that God’s love was transforming the church of the Thessalonians, and thus is an example for us to follow and learn from.
The Transforming Power of God’s Love
This is what the scripture today is saying.
9 But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do love all the brethren throughout Macedo’nia. But we exhort you, brethren, to do so more and more, 11 to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you; 12 so that you may command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on nobody. (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)
The work of the Holy Spirit in us is to transform us. The power of that work of transformation is the love of God, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts when we receive the Holy Spirit.
The scripture here shows us that these people had been growing in love. Paul exhorts them to continue to grow.
What we also see in the first verse is that this growth was not because of any doctrine from man, but they were taught by God to love one another.
It was not anything from this world that could achieve this state, but only by the transforming power of God’s love. And they were being changed into His image. They were learning to love one another as God loved them, and they were showing the transforming power of God’s love in their daily lives.
God’s love shown by behaviour
We see as the scripture progresses that the people showed the transforming power of God’s love in their changed behaviours. Look at what the scripture says.
“Aspire to live quietly.” This is a call to the disciples to consider how they were living. To be quiet is to not be hot-headed but instead to consider all things before acting or reacting.
In Christ we stop and consider things before moving forward. We put matters into the hands of the Lord for His direction and consideration before moving on. All things are considered in the light of the Lord’s leading through scripture and prayer. We follow the scripture that says:
Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
The scripture then goes on to say, “Mind your own affairs.”
A person who minds their own affairs is not a gossip and busybody. What other people may say or do is of no concern to them. They focus on what is good and how to lift others up, not tear them down through malicious talk and gossip.
God does not like gossips. They poison the minds of people with evil talk. They spread rumours, lies, and half-truths that may be hurtful to others. Gossips are not concerned with the truth but only in getting a reaction from someone else. They hurt and are deceitful.
So to “mind your own affairs” is an important part of the transforming power of God’s love.
The third point is about “working with your own hands.”
Good, honest work is appropriate for those who love God. Be prepared to get your hands dirty when you work and don’t expect others to do your work.
If you do not do the work assigned to you, then someone else will have to pick up your slack. Why should they be burdened because you are not pulling your weight?
If you love the Lord and love your brethren in the Lord, then you should be prepared to pitch in and help as well as doing your own work. Don be a burden but be a blessing, and the Lord will reward you.
Commanding Respect
The final point in this scripture talks about commanding the respect of outsiders.
It is true that when we walk in the Lord and through the transforming power of God’s love, we will command respect. When we do the right thing we are a blessing to others.
Outsiders will recognise good behaviour and will respect those who behave well. They will trust you because they will learn that you mean them no harm and will not do the wrong thing by them.
When you do what is right in the sight of God, you will do what is right in the sight of man as well. And even if they disagree with some of your beliefs, they will respect you because you will not be attacking them but will help when it is in your power to do so, because God’s love helps those in need.
The transforming power of God’s love is indeed powerful, effecting change in people and relationships.
Seek the transformation that comes by learning the ways of the Lord and walking in the transforming power of God’s love.
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Hi! I’m John, the owner, author, and editor of this site. Over the past 50+ years as a Christian I have been teaching, preaching and writing about the Bible to help Christians gain a deeper insight into the scriptures that are easily understood. I also answer specific Bible related questions, so feel free to contact me.
