ABOUNDING IN AGÁPĒ
And this is my prayer: that your loveG26 may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (BSB)
Biblical love is not stagnant. The Holy Spirit is growing the love of Jesus in and through believers as we gain knowledge of the word of God and develop discernment. Paul prays that the Philippians’ love will “abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” What exactly does that mean? We went to one of our favorite resources to increase our understanding:
Knowledge – This is from the Gr. word that describes genuine, full, or advanced knowledge. Biblical love is not an empty sentimentalism but is anchored deeply in the truth of Scripture and regulated by it (cf. Eph. 5:2, 3; 1 Pet. 1:22, 1 Peter 1:22 ESV).
MacArthur Study Bible
Love discerns what is best for someone rather than just gushing emotion on them. Love cares enough to speak truth to a fellow believer when needed. Love is also the Fruit of the Spirit from which all the other fruit stems. As our relationship with Christ grows, our love grows; and as our love of Christ grows, our relationship with Him deepens. It is cyclical. Love that grows in knowledge and insight is a journey toward maturity rather than love being a one-time destination.
Have you reached a place where your love for Jesus and others seems stagnant? Pray Paul’s prayer above for yourself. Is there someone in your life who is just beginning their journey with Jesus? Pray this prayer for him or her.
Father, may we never become stagnant in our walk with You or in our love for the body of Christ—the Messianic Community. Help us to abound in love that is genuine and consistent with Your word.