I am almost done with my reading through the Bible in a year program. Today I read Philippians chapters 1& 2. There are many good verses in these two chapters, but one of them totally jumped out at me…and when that happens, you know it is God speaking. It's wise to take it to heart, and also take time to meditate on it. The verse was: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, (Php. 1:9). Stop and re-read this verse.
God said this to me: It starts with learning how to love! In this verse Paul wasn't praying for this church to train, disciple, have more Bible studies, prayer groups, or services… Paul was praying that they would really GET what it means to love.
May abound (perisseueÌ„i). Present active subjunctive of perisseuoÌ„, may keep on overflowing, a perpetual flood of love, “yet more and more” (eti mallon kai mallon), but with necessary limitations (river banks), “in knowledge” (en epignoÌ„sei, in full knowledge) “and all discernment” (paÌ„seÌ„i aistheÌ„sei).
In case you were wondering, a little kid did not take over my keyboard…the crazy looking words are the original Greek. Paul is telling us that he wants us to learn and experience what it means to really love. “A perpetual flood of love” coming out from us continuously… The “Necessary limitations” means that this love needs to have an intelligent direction. God wants us to purposely live a life of love. He desires to see us grow in the knowledge of HOW TO love better and also discern when the Holy Spirit wants us to pass on His love more often!
This verse really made me think. I know that we definitely need Sunday school classes. I teach one, and I know how effective it can be. What I want you to consider is this…Is your knowledge and love increasing? In my case, when I went off to Bible College, my knowledge did increase. But, looking back on my life, when my knowledge increased–I became critical of those who were falling short of the standards that I felt they should have. So my knowledge was increasing, but my love was fading. Have you noticed that in your own life?
In our church we have a Bible study of some kind, almost every day of the week. Yet, how many opportunities do we advertise for us to love. We are hopefully increasing in knowledge, but my prayer is that we also increase in love.         God is calling all of us to “Be the Church”. There is no possible way that we can really “Be the Church” if we are not first learning how to love. What would happen if we skipped a Bible study, and went somewhere and loved people? This is my heart and I am confident that it is God's as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Ray
