Love That Truly Sees

Have you ever made a loving decision that went wrong? Paul prays for the Philippians' love to grow, but not in a sentimental or blind way. He insists that true love must be anchored in knowledge and all judgment (Phil. 1:9). Why? So they could “approve the things that are excellent” (Phil. 1:10). He knew that a heart full of unguided affection could easily be led astray. The goal was for them to be sincere and blameless until the day Christ returns. Their love needed a rudder.

God does not ask you to love blindly. He wants your heart's affections to be guided by His truth. The world tells you to just follow your heart, but your loving Father knows that our hearts can be misled. He wants to give you a love that is both warm and wise. He provides His Word as a lamp and His Spirit as your guide. You can trust Him to grow this discerning love in you as you lean on Him. Where might you be relying on feeling alone, when God is offering you His wisdom?

Ask God to show you one area where your love needs to be guided by His wisdom, not just your own feelings.

Father, thank you that your love is not based on mere emotion. Please grow my love with true knowledge and discernment, so my choices honor You. Help me to approve what is excellent today. Amen.

Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens had special Roman privileges. Paul’s call to a higher, heavenly citizenship would have been a stark and challenging contrast for them.