Note 16 at 1 Th. 4:9: Immorality is to be avoided and love is to be practiced and cultivated. The ridiculous idea that God leads people into extramarital affairs does not line up with the principles of scripture. How can I love my neighbor as myself (part of Jesus' great command-Mt. 22:36-40) and at the same time destroy a husband, wife, or family by my immoral actions? That is not what the Bible calls love but rather lust (Jas. 1:14).

Loving others always involves seeking the welfare and benefit of others, not destroying them.

Note 17 at 1 Th. 4:9: There are two different Greek words for love used in this verse. PHILADELPHIA was translated "brotherly love" in the first part of this verse, and AGAPAO was used at the end of the verse.

PHILADELPHIA (see note 3 at Rom. 12:10, p. 830) love is more of a warm feeling of affection. AGAPAO (see note 4 at Jn. 13:35, p. 483) is God's kind of love which seeks the betterment of others and is not based upon feelings as its source. AGAPAO will generate PHILADELPHIA love if practiced. AGAPAO love feeds one's enemy if he is hungry and gives him something to drink if he is thirsty. It overcomes evil with good (Rom. 12:20-21). It is this love that is taught by God.