1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:… There is a reflex influence attending acts of obedience to God which goes immediately to advance the doers still further in the ways of godliness. All holy and charitable works are replete with seeds of blessing for the Christian's own soul. In the text the grace which is exercised in the actings of obedience becomes a means of still further advancement. The reaction of Christian love is progression in holiness, whether to the individual or the Church. The history of missions furnishes no ordinary proofs of this. I. THE NATURE OF THAT LOVE IN WHICH ST. PAUL DESIRED HIS BRETHREN TO ABOUND. 1. Its spirituality of intention. This is inferred from its declared origin, "The Lord." Carnal minds have their charity, which regards men as body and mind, and, therefore, when it has consulted their physical happiness and intellectual cultivation it has reached its limit. Devout but unenlightened minds have their charity, but it seeks only to win men from vice to forms of godliness. But the charity that is born of God will act in correspondence with the mind of God, who has not failed to provide for physical happiness, mental improvement, and moral amelioration, but only as a consequence of the restoration of the soul to union with Himself. His sacrifice of His Son — "the Just for the unjust" — was to this end, "to bring them to God." In harmony with this will be the intention of His people's love. It was so in Paul's day. Its care for man was a care for man's soul. And so now Christian missions, while they compensate the physical miseries, mental debasement, and moral perversion of men by humanizing influences, lifting the savage into civilization, it looks upon all this as subordinate to the conversion of the heart to God. 2. Its unrestrictedness of attachment. It suffers no limitation. It leads God's people to care not only for their brethren, but all mankind. The earliest disciples went everywhere preaching the Word. The Thessalonians were no less active; and besides doing mission work themselves, they succoured other missionaries. Would that this love had never grown cold! But first came dissention, then unhallowed speculation, and afterward superstition. And when superstition had been removed formality supervened. And so at this late era we are but beginning again the evangelization of the world which began in apostolic times. 3. Its progressiveness of operation. Let it live and be in healthy action, and that action will be one of advancing power. This the apostle intimates not only by his prayer, but by instancing his own example. St. Paul was a bright exemplification of the charity that never faileth. His personal intercourse with the Thessalonians had been brief — but how, notwithstanding his labours and trials, he loved them. So it was with his affection for other Churches, it deepened and widened at the same time. And may we not point to many of his followers struggling with discomforts, afflicted with the spectacle of myriads wholly given to idolatry, frequently standing alone as witnesses for the truth, growing only more devoted to the work and attached to their charge. Yea, and when compelled to return to a more congenial climate they labour in the interests of their distant converts, and long to return. And so, according to their ability, is the love of the Churches who support missions. II. THE SANCTIFYING RESULT WHICH ST. PAUL ANTICIPATED FROM THAT INCREASE OF LOVE WHICH HE INVOKED UPON HIS BRETHREN. Consider this as illustrated in the history of missions. 1. In relation to our individual piety. (1) It quickens within us the spirit of prayer. One glance at millions lying in their heathen state hastens every child of God to his Father's feet. "The harvest," Christ said, "is plenteous," etc. What, then, shall His followers do? Rush at once into the field? No. "Pray ye." Nor is this all. From every region we hear the cry, "Pray for us that the Word of God may have free course and be glorified." And our souls are stirred within us to respond; and thus it is that an interest in missions keeps us at the throne of grace. And experience soon proves that the spirit of supplication is the very life of the cause. (2) It brings us into conscious cooperation with God. "We are labourers together with God." If the evangelization of the world were a human adventure then our partnership would be with man only; but faith is sensible of God's presence, and association with God who is holy results in holiness. (3) It familiarizes our minds with the operations of the Divine Spirit on the souls of men, and promotes self-examination and conveys instruction and consolation. 2. In relation to the piety of the Church which is the aggregate of the holiness of its individual members. As they severally thrive the whole body is strengthened, and society around receives a corresponding complexion. A habit of caring for souls is established; attention is drawn to the spiritual condition of those who are near; home missions spring up, and the fountain which is pouring forth its streams to fertilize some distant wilderness, overflows with living water to bless its native soil. How strikingly this is illustrated in the religious history of our own country! Call to remembrance the condition of England when the great missionary societies were first established. From that day God has blessed us with a reformed country and a revived religion. (1) The various expedients devised for the support of missions have been the means of this. Missionary meetings, sermons, literature, have given an impetus to the cause of God. In how many of our children the first buddings of Christian emotion have burst under the impression of some missionary tale. (2) Consciences awakened, and hearts moved to care for the heathen abroad have been impressed with a responsibility towards those at home.In conclusion, consider the subject in relation to — 1. Ourselves. Here is the antidote to the evils of secularity, luxury, priestcraft, and scepticism. 2. Our society. Our successes should stimulate this love; our failures make an imperative demand upon it. 3. Our Church. Here strength at home will be in proportion to her prosperity abroad. 4. Our country. Missionary extension is its best defence. (J. Harding, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: |
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