Love and Discernment
05/28/2025
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
— Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)
Paul’s words to the church in Philippi aren’t just a beautiful prayer, they’re a roadmap for spiritual growth. Notice how he doesn’t simply ask that their love increases, but that it abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Why? Because love without wisdom can be reckless. But love informed by truth? That’s transformational.
Imagine a parent who deeply loves their child. If that love is just emotional, it may lead to enabling behavior. But if it’s guided by wisdom, knowing when to correct, when to encourage, and when to let go, it shapes a child’s character. Paul prays for that kind of love for the believers: love that thinks, discerns, and acts rightly.
And what’s the purpose of this increasing love and insight? “So that you may be able to discern what is best.” We live in a world filled not only with choices between right and wrong, but often between good and best. Without spiritual discernment, we settle for what’s merely acceptable, rather than what is truly excellent.
Paul reminds us that the ultimate goal is not just to be loving or wise, but to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Every decision, every relationship, every act of service, when done with love sharpened by discernment, prepares us for the day we’ll stand before Jesus.
Here are some things you can do to help on your journey.
Pray for discerning love.
Ask God to grow your love in wisdom and insight.
Reflect on recent decisions.
Did you choose what was best or just what was good enough?
Seek counsel.
Finding wisdom from mature believers when facing big choices will benefit you well.
Practice truth in love.
Speak and act in ways that are both kind and wise.
My challenge for you is this:
Before you act today, whether it’s sending an email, having a conversation, or making a decision, pause and ask: Is this the most loving and wise choice?
Father, grow my love, not just in emotion, but in knowledge and insight. Teach me to discern what is best, and help me to live a life that is pure and blameless in Your eyes. Shape my heart so that my love reflects Yours, full of grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
— Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)
Paul’s words to the church in Philippi aren’t just a beautiful prayer, they’re a roadmap for spiritual growth. Notice how he doesn’t simply ask that their love increases, but that it abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Why? Because love without wisdom can be reckless. But love informed by truth? That’s transformational.
Imagine a parent who deeply loves their child. If that love is just emotional, it may lead to enabling behavior. But if it’s guided by wisdom, knowing when to correct, when to encourage, and when to let go, it shapes a child’s character. Paul prays for that kind of love for the believers: love that thinks, discerns, and acts rightly.
And what’s the purpose of this increasing love and insight? “So that you may be able to discern what is best.” We live in a world filled not only with choices between right and wrong, but often between good and best. Without spiritual discernment, we settle for what’s merely acceptable, rather than what is truly excellent.
Paul reminds us that the ultimate goal is not just to be loving or wise, but to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Every decision, every relationship, every act of service, when done with love sharpened by discernment, prepares us for the day we’ll stand before Jesus.
Here are some things you can do to help on your journey.
Pray for discerning love.
Ask God to grow your love in wisdom and insight.
Reflect on recent decisions.
Did you choose what was best or just what was good enough?
Seek counsel.
Finding wisdom from mature believers when facing big choices will benefit you well.
Practice truth in love.
Speak and act in ways that are both kind and wise.
My challenge for you is this:
Before you act today, whether it’s sending an email, having a conversation, or making a decision, pause and ask: Is this the most loving and wise choice?
Father, grow my love, not just in emotion, but in knowledge and insight. Teach me to discern what is best, and help me to live a life that is pure and blameless in Your eyes. Shape my heart so that my love reflects Yours, full of grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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