Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. vs. 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…

It is interesting that Paul instructs on how to live in order to please God, but God Himself teaches us how to love each other. Think about that: Bible Studies, church attendance, discipleship, even the example of others can teach us how to live lives that please God. But, when it comes to loving the unlovely, loving the ones who have injured you, loving the Christian brother who openly despises you – that kind of love can only be learned in the presence of the Lord. When He was dying on the cross – the Innocent One, The Injured Party, The Only sinless One – He forgave, He loved beyond measure . Only He can teach is how to truly love one another.