Our Loving Hope - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

The clear target of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian Church is the gospel. Hearing the receiving the gospel is absolutely necessary for salvation. As we now arrive at 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, we’ll give attention to the gospel and our love for one another. What was written to the Thessalonians echo the words spoken by the Lord Jesus in the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17). In a remarkable display of love, we find the King of Glory taking a towel and basin of water to wash the feet of His disciples. This act was a profound display of humble servitude. Jesus then stated a new commandment, that His disciples love one another, “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This is the example of how we are to love one another through lowly service. Jesus then said, “By this,” that is, when others see the display of such love, “all will know that you are My disciples.” John 13:35 reiterates the condition, “if you have love for one another.” As we follow Jesus, serving one another in love is the witness and testimony to our community that we are following Jesus.