Effective ministry really does depend on this kind of love, and it is important for ministers to cultivate it in their own lives and their relationships with their people. A deliberate effort is needed in this matter; demonstrating true love should not be a hit-and-miss affair. One needs both to pray to God for love, and to meditate on those biblical truths that will help to engender love in our hearts—e.g., God’s own love for his people (Romans 5:8; Acts 20:28, etc.); the danger of the lost; the blessing and privilege of having received the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10–21).1
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,