And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.

Philippians 1:9

In this introduction to the church of Philippi, Paul is writing to the members about growing in love as they also grow in knowledge. Knowing how to love is a basic foundation of Christianity. If we do not know the proper way of doing so to others, how can we point our actions back to Jesus Christ?

Knowledge and discernment help you realize the difference between right and wrong and how to be blameless. We must be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, in order to give God all the glory and praise. God is the source of love. Therefore, we do not know how to love unless it’s through the Lord in how he shows us through his word. 

We can also never love too much. Paul said in this verse that our love can abound more and more and there’s no limit to how much we can give to someone. Just like God continually forgives us of our sins over and over again, so should we continue to reciprocate that forgiveness to those around us in the same way. 

Love is caring for someone deeply. Sometimes that means telling someone what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. It should be selfless and done with wisdom and acknowledges what is good, but also what is evil. Our love should reflect what the Lord has shown us, which is the kind of care a Father would have for his child. 

Our love needs to be sincere, genuine, and unconditional. That’s the way Jesus loves us. He gave us wisdom through his Word and in that, he showed his compassion for us. He gives us commands to follow because he knows what’s best for us. He knows what is right and holy as well as what is unrighteous and unholy. As we abide in him, he will also abide in us, giving us what we need to love others around us effectively. 

This week, pray about opportunities to demonstrate God’s love to those in your life.. Let your love resemble Christ’s love for his church.