Concerning this subject, the apostle Paul wrote some quite enlightening things to the brethren in Thessalonica about which I would like to note. Contemplate carefully the passage under consideration and the following observations:
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. [1 Thess. 4:9-12]
First, note the priority of growing in brotherly love (4:9-10). Paul commends them due to the fact that he does not need to teach them to do so, but in fact, praises them in their fine example of loving one another (cf. Rom. 12:10; Heb. 13:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:7). The apostle John declared that we are to see such through actions (1 John 3:18; 4:19-21), and Paul sets forth that they have done just that, not only to the brethren there in Thessalonica, but even to their brethren in Macedonia. However, note that he encourages them regarding such to “increase more and more….” In other words, though they were exemplary in practicing brotherly love, they could always improve upon such and grow. As we seek to implement such in our lives, no matter how loving we may be to our brethren, this does not indicate that we have arrived at a place of self-sufficiency. Rather, we are to realize that we can always improve regarding brotherly love. Thus, this denotes the priority it is to be to every child of God. It disturbs me at times to read of the ugliness of some of our brethren in some of our publications. While we need to learn that we do not need to compromise truth at the sacrifice of brotherly love, we also need to learn how to discuss the differences we may have with brethren without questioning their integrity or losing our love for them. We might have too much of some things, but we can never have too much of brotherly love (cf. Gal. 5:22-23)!
Second, note the process of branching out from brotherly love (4:11). He additionally commands them to “study to be quiet.” The literal rendering would showcase an interesting paradox, “Make it your ambition not to be ambitious.” Of course, this is in reference to their occupations—they were to be ambitious to work, but they were not to work as those in the world, because Christians are to have a different perspective on the world and their occupations (cf. Acts 20:35; Eph. 4:28). In other words, they were to go about their business in a quiet and restful way, serving God and using their opportunities to do good wherever they arise. Then, he commands them to “do your own business.” In his second epistle to them, he mentions busybodies (2 Thess. 3:11-12; cf. Col. 3:22, 24; Tit. 3:8, 14). The fact is that idlers become meddlers. Therefore, he tells them to stay busy doing their own work. In addition, he commands them “to work with your own hands.” He also mentions this again in the aforementioned second epistle. For some reason, some of the brethren were not working, and it is not clear as to the exact reason why. Was it because they had left idolatry and had become so enthused with their new religion that they just quit their jobs? Was it because they thought that Christ would return soon and simply quit their jobs? I am not sure that we know, although some certainly speculate. Here, it literally refers to not overseeing the matters of other people. This is not necessarily easy—many times, it is easier to run the business of others than our own business, because we know how others are to do so! Therefore, let us be ambitious to be quiet in order to take care of our own business, not trying to run the affairs of other people. This is good advice for everyone.
Third, note the product of having brotherly love (4:12). Because brotherly love extends to the point of living and working properly, they would even gain the respect of those who are not Christians. In our jobs and daily living, our activities are to be done in an honorable way so that we can reflect the fact that we are Christians. Thereby, we can gain the respect of those who are out of Christ (cf. Tit. 2:6-10; 1 Pet. 2:11-12). The truth is that we are teaching and preaching the love of God and Christ as people see us in the workplace and in our daily lives! This was not only important for the pagan society of Thessalonica, but it is just as important today! The world needs to see us making a difference! When we demonstrate the intended product, we can indeed have the peace and hope of eternal life (4:13-18)!