Work as a Means of Brotherly Love

Paul knew a thing or two about brotherly love. Paul experienced this love from those he once sought to persecute. Paul also exhorted churches to practice brotherly love towards others. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, Paul encourages the thriving church he planted to display brotherly love to those inside and outside the church.

While in one breath, the apostle states he does “not need to write to them” concerning brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9), he then turns and urges them to “do so more and more” (1 Thess. 4:10b). What’s going on here? 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10a is Paul commending the church based on their showcase of love and support to “all of God’s family throughout Macedonia” (1 Thess. 4:10a). This church loved their fellow brothers and sisters well. In verses 10b-12, Paul tells the church to display brotherly love through everyday activities (10b-11) so that they are well regarded by “outsiders” (12). Through the church living respectfully (11a-b) and working with integrity (11c), they gain the respect of those outside the church (12).

Paul calls the church to display brotherly love through their daily activities. This simple act of faithfulness in the ordinary is a profound apologetic to the goodness of the gospel.  One’s work and vocation are at the centerpiece of these seemingly ordinary activities. In a world where manual labor was frowned upon, Paul urged the Thessalonians to do good work, which resulted in respect from non-believers. Work is an avenue of engaging the culture with the love of Christ. What are some practical implications for us today?

1. Whistle while you work.

Our world’s view towards work is similar to the cultural context in which Paul wrote. The Greeks despised work; it was something to be done by slaves or artisans.[1] Today, everyone works for the weekend. Work is merely a necessary evil for one to fund what they truly desire to do, whether on their days off or in their future retirement. What if Christians rolled up their sleeves and embraced the goodness of work (Genesis 2:15)? The Church should seek to equip its people to think well about their work, seeing how it fits into God’s economy. Work has a bad rap, but Christians can demonstrate the goodness of work. When Christians have a good attitude at work, others will notice.

2. Worship while you work.

If Christ is Lord of all (Philippians 2:11), then He is the Lord of our 9 to 5’s. Work then turns into an avenue of worship. As Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2, our true worship to God is the offering up our lives and bodies as a living sacrifice. Worship should extend from the Lord’s Day and creep into every hill and holler of our week. Whether you bake bread, build bridges, or babysit, your work should be done with excellence and integrity because it is done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). When Christians worship while they work, others will notice.

3. Witness while you work.

Paul fully expected that those who live faithful “ordinary” lives will gain respect from those outside the church (1 Thess. 4:12). We should expect the same. As Christians work in a counter-cultural way, with all the excellence and integrity that is due to Christ, others will notice. When they do, Christians should be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Be prepared to answer why your attitude towards work is different. Be prepared to answer why you go above and beyond to do the job right. The workplace becomes a natural place of evangelism for those who ultimately work for the King (Ephesians 6:7).

Christian, roll up your sleeves. Pull yourselves up by your bootstraps. There’s work to do. Let’s work to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), knowing that the world is watching, and displaying the love of God at every step.

[1] Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, 211.