I Thessalonians 3:12
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And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The "you" in the Greek is emphatically put first; "But" (so the Greek for "and") what concerns "YOU," whether we come or not, "may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love," &c. The Greek for "increase" has a more positive force; that for "abound" a more comparative force, "make you full (supplying 'that which is lacking,' Th1 3:10) and even abound." "The Lord" may here be the Holy Spirit; so the Three Persons of the Trinity will be appealed to (compare Th1 3:13), as in Th2 3:5. So the Holy Ghost is called "the Lord" (Co2 3:17). "Love" is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), and His office is "to stablish in holiness" (Th1 3:13; Pe1 1:2).
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle gives further evidence of his love to the Thessalonians, reminding them of his sending Timothy to them, with the mention of his design therein and his inducements so to do (Th1 3:1-5). He acquaints them also with his great satisfaction at the return of Timothy, with good tidings concerning them (Th1 3:6-10). And concludes with fervent prayer for them (Th1 3:11 to the end).
Open source ↗3:12 A characteristic of this church was their love for one another as members of God’s family (4:9; 2 Thes 1:3-4). Paul prays that their love will grow and overflow toward those outside the Christian community (cp. 1 Thes 5:15; Gal 6:10; 2 Tim 2:24; Titus 3:2) even in the face of persecution.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.