Bible Study December 12, 2023
Philippians 1:9-11 (LSB)
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in full knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ, 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Maybe one of the most misused words in our language is the word “love.” I remember growing up and we heard the word “Free love” often. Love is not free there is a price for loving someone.
Paul said it correctly to these believers at Philippi. He said the beginning of love is found in love our love for God not our love of God but for God. As we grow in the Lord (gain knowledge) we will develop the ability to love more deeply. Maybe the first scripture reference I ever heard was John 3:16.
There are many illustrations of God’s love in the scriptures. From His love for the disciples, the family of Lazarus (raising him from the dead), to healing the centurion that Peter cut off his ear, to dying on the cross for our sin, no greater love has a man than he lay down his life for another.
It is difficult to love sometimes. People say and do things that hurt us. There are types of things that come against us that make us not want to love someone but the commandment is to love others as we love ourselves.
God never gets tired of us telling Him we love Him but our love for Him should be reflected in our love for one another.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 