And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment… (Philippians 1:9)
Often, we Christians pray for many things: A sick family relative, a micromanaging boss, a larger bank account, or unbelieving friends and coworkers to believe the gospel. These are not bad things to pray for – some are very good! – but Paul challenges us by telling us what he prays for the Philippians: “that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment.”
Paul prays that the church would become more loving. He is praying for their godly character to grow! As in horticulture, for love to grow, it must be rooted, watered, and pruned. Your love is rooted in God and He prunes as He sees fit. That is why Paul is praying!
Moreover, this love is not our world’s idea of love. This love is grounded in God’s truth and wisdom – ultimately grounded in Christ. It is filled with spiritual fruit that comes from God to the praise of God. The end goal is for the God’s people to look like Christ – being blameless and pure.
Have you prayed this kind of prayer before? Let’s aim to be a loving people of God. Ask and pray for God to grow in us love. Only He can do this… “to the glory and praise of God.”