Dear Ones:
The Apostle Paul wrote several tremendous prayers in his epistles, one of which is found in Philippians 1:9-11. It is very interesting to note the parallels in Jesus’ instructions on prayer, and those found in Paul’s, are very similar. Both men are facing the possibility of death, Christ facing his crucifixion, and Paul being the prisoner of Nero. There is therefore an urgency, and importance of “last words” to those they are addressing. There is a common theme in these “last words,” and it has to do with loving one another. For Christ, the command is clear: “Love one another, as I have loved you.” (Jn. 13:34) Paul puts the imperative in the form of a prayer, a prayer for the Philippians, but also a pattern that the Philippians can use in praying for themselves and others.
The first aspect of this marvelous prayer of the Apostle concerns the quantity of love, “…and this I pray, that your love may ABOUND…in knowledge and in all judgment.”(Phil. 1:9) What does he mean by this? Just as we HAVE the mind of Christ, being in union with Christ, we have also the love of Christ. But this love is multidimensional. Not only is it powerful, gracious, gentle, and self-effacing, but it is intelligent, and morally/spiritually astute. In every situation, concerning every person, the opportunity presents itself to love, but with a love that is applicable, and effective for the moment. For this we need “knowledge” and “in all judgment.” Our motives may be right in facing a certain need, or ministering to certain people. But our “knowledge” may be wrong. True love knows and discerns HOW to love others.
Look closely at the Lord Jesus to see how He loved. It is true that the ultimate expression of His love for us was His willingness to suffer and die on the cross. However, He loved all during His ministry. That love was “explained” by His different words addressing every individual, and circumstance. To the paralytic, He would declare that he should take up his bed and walk. And yet, the first issue that was needing to be dealt with was the forgiveness of sin. To the woman with the issue of blood, and who just wanted to touch the hem of His garment to be healed, the word was, “Go thy way, thy faith hath made the whole.” To Jairus, whose daughter had died, came the words, “Fear not, only believe.” In all of these circumstances the love of Christ for men, women, and children is expressed, but in a very intelligent and appropriate way, howbeit, sometimes very different.
Just as God does not make photocopies of us, but only masterpieces, the love of God and its multiple applications, cannot be mimicked, or photocopied. Every opportunity is a call to trust the Spirit of God for the abundance of knowledge and this in all judgement, and decision-making. The Lord thus enables us to “…approve things that are excellent.”
So, today, may we love one another…but appealing to God for the knowledge and wisdom to discern the highest and best for all. It is as we pray, and trust God for this ABOUNDING knowledge and wisdom, that it will be given. Then, we too will be able to love with the love of Christ in an appropriate manner that will meet the needs of those around us, and this, “…unto the glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:11)
Love, Dad