Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11 "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."Observation: This entire passage is filled with desires that Paul has for the believers: be able to approve things that are excellent (which I believe is defined in Phil. 4:7), be sincere and without offense, being filled with the fruits of righteousness (the "fruit of the Spirit" as defined in Eph. 5:9). That's a great spiritual house, but it's all built on the foundation of love (vs. 9).
Application: I think this is a strange passage for the American mind (at least mine anyway) that ususally considers love an emotion. Paul desires their love to grow, but not in affection, rather knowledge and discernment. To Paul love means having understand and applying that knowledge. I need a change in my perspective before I'll be able to make the choice to love others well. When that changes I'll be able to "be sincere" and not offend others and to be filled with the characteristics of God.
Prayer: Lord my prayer today is Paul's prayer. I pray that my love may abound more and more in knowledge and discernment and that through it that You would get more glory and praise. I love you. Amen.
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