9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11
The book of Philippians is full of encouragement. I find it to be one of the most encouraging overall letters written, as Paul addresses this church that has been eager for the kingdom of God since first hearing the gospel. Paul’s hope for them is spelled out in the verses above as they move ever closer to the fullness of Christ that they would produce a harvest of righteousness for the glory and praise of God.
The call of us, from this letter, is to be reminded of our zeal that is for the gospel of peace, that we might further understand the love of God that flows from above within, and that we should release, as we spread the love of God for others. This later part is, I believe, more important than the former. When we know the love of God, when we have felt the peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that the hand of God has blessed us immensely; what we do next matters. Like so many other treasures we have this human desire to keep it for ourselves. However, the this love that comes from God is never ending, it is an unending, relentless love that knows no bounds. Therefore, what we really find is the more of God’s love we choose to offer to others, the more of it we know from God. The true nature of Christian growth is learning to love as much as we have been loved, determined to do what is best to produce an overflowing blessings that others might see the good we do, and praise their father in heaven.
Grace & Peace,
Sam