Deeper Reflection
PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE THESSALONIANS TO “INCREASE and abound in love” for people both inside and outside the church (v.12) is for a purpose: “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father” (v.13). And this purpose will be ultimately and fully fulfilled “at the coming of our Lord Jesus”. This is eschatological praying. But it is assumed theologically that we are also to be “blameless in holiness before God” now and towards Christ’s return.Paul’s prayer shows that there is a connection between love and holiness. Oftentimes, when we think of holiness, our orientation is Godward – vertical holiness – which is right, and it has to be. Leviticus 19 consists of a variety of commandments in God’s call to His people: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Lev 19:1-2). How is this holiness to be expressed? Revere parents and keep the sabbath (Lev 19:3). Don’t worship idols (Lev 19:4). Offer to God acceptable sacrifices (Lev 19:5-8). Care for the needy (Lev 19:9-10). And it is in this divine call to holiness that God gives this command: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19:18). Holiness is also manward – horizontal holiness.It is important to note that the increase and overflowing in love in us, and the establishing of our hearts to be blameless in holiness before God come from God Himself: “may the Lord…so that He may…”. Therefore, we ask God in prayer to meet these real needs – discipleship needs and growth needs – in our lives. This is asking God to transform our lives.