And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, KJV)

And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:12, Amplified)

Abound in love. Overflow in love.

I looked up the Greek word translated abound. I found other scriptures where it was used. Here are some of those scriptures.

And they did all eat, and were filled and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. (Matthew 15:37, KJV)

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had even all her living. (Mark 12:44, KJV)

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I perish with hunger! (Luke 15:17, KJV)

Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. (John 6:13, KJV)

I love the picture these scriptures paint of the meaning of that word abound. It means in abundance, enough to spare, over and above what is needed. Not just squeaking by, but overflowing with love. Enough love for the given situation and much, much more.

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. (1 Peter 4:8, Amplified)

I think about the times I have sensed His love overflow in me. When a situation required forgiveness, but what came out of my heart, by His grace, was not only Father forgive them, but also, what can I do to bless them. Not just forgive them, but forgive them and bless them. How can I empower this person to prosper.

Let’s take another look at our main scripture.

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you… (1 Thessalonians 3:12, KJV)

And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:12, Amplified)

Abound in love. Overflow in love towards who? Towards one another and towards all men. Towards our fellow Christians, but also towards all men, all people. Not just the one’s we think we are supposed to love, but every man, woman and child we encounter. We are to overflow in love toward all men.

Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself. (1 John 2:6, Amplified)

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him… Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:33-34, KJV)

Jesus loved those that loved Him. And Jesus overflowed with love towards those that did not love Him. Let Him be your example and follow in His footsteps… overflow with love towards all men. All means all. Selah.