We are to love one another for what God has made us in Christ. This does not only mean that we are set apart for God, but also that we are set apart for God’s purpose, called to live for what he has made us. Therefore, true love rejoices in seeing others being morally holy as well. Christian love rejoices in holiness, and it is weakened by sin. Where sin exists without efforts to root it out among God’s people, the joy of love cannot be experienced.
It is well noted that the diaconal ministry was founded on this ground of love. The believers knew that ministering to the saints was an expression not only of how they love one another, but also of how they love God (Hebrews 6:10), and that God will not forget such works.
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,