Daily Devotions

1 Thessalonians 3:12–13

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”

Paul continues the theme of abounding with another beautiful image—this time of love that overflows.

To overflow with love is to experience an affection so deep and generous that it spills over into every area of life. It is a love that cannot be contained—a love that touches everyone we encounter and shapes everything we do.

This is what we might call uncontainable love. It isn’t measured or restrained. It is abundant, overflowing, and unstoppable—like water that refuses to stay within its boundaries.

As writer Kate O’Neill expresses it:

“Love is like liquid; when it pours out, it seeps into others’ lives. Love changes form and shape. Love gets into everything. Death doesn’t conquer all; love does. Love wins every single time. Love wins by lasting through death. Love wins by loving more, loving again, loving without fear.”

That is the kind of love Paul prays for—the love of God that flows through us, transforming the world around us.

Such love reveals itself in kindness, generosity, compassion, and selfless service. In the life of a disciple, it reflects both God’s abundant love for humanity and the love He calls us to share freely with others.

When our hearts are strengthened in this overflowing love, we grow toward holiness—not as perfection achieved, but as love perfected. It is love that prepares us for Christ’s coming, making us ready to stand blameless and joyful in His presence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the truth of Your Word and the lessons it brings

Teach me to abound in love for my brothers and sisters in Christ,
and to overflow with grace toward all people.
Strengthen my heart in faith and hope,
that I may live blamelessly before You
and faithfully intercede for Your Church.
Keep my eyes fixed on the day when Christ returns
and gathers us into His everlasting love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.