Love the Church
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (Eph 5:25-28)
Jesus loves the church and gave His life for her.
The apostle Paul himself followed the example of Jesus.
He expresses his love for the church at Thessalonica.
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. (1 Thess 2:8-9)
He was ready to give his life for them.
He was persecuted when he preached the Gospel in their city.
But he was not deterred.
He labored night and day for the church.
Such love reflects the love that Christ has for the church.
We too must love our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Are we doing what is necessary to bless and build up our fellow believers? Out of love for Christ and the church?
(MT)