Love in the Church

Aim: To engender love in the church through honorable self-revelation.

Doctrine: Love in the church is nurtured as we honestly expose our hearts to each other. Candor is to be vastly preferred over pretense, though honor does not require total self-revelation (before men).

Exegesis: Love in the church is often bridged by intermediaries. Paul was willing to part with Tychicus (v. 21a); Tychicus was willing to represent Paul (v. 21b); the Ephesian church was willing to embrace both Paul and Tychicus (v. 22).

Further application: Why frankness among believers enhances love in the church: because we do not cherish those whom we do not know, and because openness—though possibly risky—is necessary (for vital fellowship).

Key verse: v. 21 ''But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you...''