Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) guide our steps to you. 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, So that He may strengthen and confirm and establish your hearts faultlessly pure and unblamable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) with all His saints (the [b]holy and glorified people of God)! Amen, (so be it)! (1 Thes 3:11-13, AMP)

You would think that cooking peas would be easy, but I have a confession to make.  I feel the saucepan with water, boil it and put the frozen peas in the water—and walk away. I hear a noise in the background, turn around, only to see that the saucepan of peas had increased, excelled and yes, overflowed all over the range top. Despite my failing in pea cooking, what a great analogy of the love of God in our lives. God takes us, adds grace, mercy, and love, the Holy Spirit increases our zeal and passion, resulting in an overflow of God’s love.  Some Christians want to turn down the heat and contain what they have. God, on the other hand, wants to turn up the heat and just let that love boil over and go everywhere.

Love God, your neighbor (regardless of the religion, culture or lifestyle. Love unconditionally), you’re your brother and sister and even love your enemies.  Last but not least, love yourself—increase, excel, and overflow.