Deeper Reflection
OFTENTIMES IN OUR PRAYER, WE FOCUS MUCH ON FELT needs – needs that are earthly and physical in nature, rather than real needs – discipleship needs and growth needs. There are vital spiritual realities that God wants us to have. Our heavenly Father who cares for birds, flowers and grass knows and cares for our felt needs (Matt 6:25-32). However, central in this divine care must be us seeking God’s kingdom above everything and living righteously (Matt 6:33). To mature in Christ, we must give primary attention to our real needs. Paul’s prayers for God’s people always focus on real needs.Paul prayed for the Thessalonians’ growth in love: “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love” (1 Thess 3:12). Paul made this petition in the context of asking God to direct his way to the Thessalonians so that he could supply what was lacking in their faith (1 Thess 3:10-11). The “primary way the young converts will become rooted in faith is by God making their love ‘increase and overflow’”⁵⁴. Bear in mind how Paul describes the love of Thessalonians as “labour of love” (v.3). It is intensive love. But there is still so much more to “increase and abound”. There is “double progress”⁵⁵ in this prayer: from increasing to overflowing; and from “for one another” – believers within the church − to “for all” – unbelievers outside the church. God intends that Christians loving one another be witness to the world (Jn 13:34-35). And when we Christians love even our enemies, we are like our Heavenly Father, who is merciful even to evil people (Lk 6:35-36).

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⁵⁴ G. K. Beale, 108 ⁵⁵ John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 67