We’ve studied 1st Thessalonians 4:9-10, trying to understand how we can love one another more and more. Remember, Paul says in verse 9, “Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”
“Brotherly love,” comes from the word “phileo,” which means the love brothers and sisters have for each other in a family. Paul applies it to brothers and sister in the Christian family. He said he didn’t have to write them about this because God had taught them to love each other with “agape” love.
Phileo is human love. Agape love has a divine source. Phileo love can increase in intensity and sphere of influence. The Thessalonian Christians were known for their phileo love for the Christians throughout Macedonia. But since they were taught by God to love each other with agape love, which the Holy Spirit continuously pours into their hearts, they have the capacity to love the brothers and sisters in the faith more and more. That is, with an even greater intensity and sphere of influence