Philippians 1:9 – “I continue to pray for your love to grow and increase beyond measure, BRINGING you into the rich revelation of spiritual insight IN ALL THINGS.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God, almost immediately, a liberating but challenging truth enveloped me. The Power, Purpose, Potential, and Produce (Fruit) of LOVE!

As Paul addressed the Philippian church, he described an interesting and revelatory prayer in Philippians 1:9.  That prayer is amazing and presents a troubling dimension to our daily lives. It is inspiring, challenging, and troubling all at the same time.

He continued in vv. 10-11 – “This (love) WILL enable you to choose the most excellent way of all – becoming pure and without offense until the unveiling of Christ. 11 AND you will be FILLED COMPLETELY with the fruits of righteousness THAT ARE FOUND IN JESUS, the Anointed One – bringing great praise and glory to God!”  [Emphasis Mine]

Wow!  What a promise, hope, aspiration, and goal. The Fruit of Love brings Rich Revelation and Spiritual Insight in All Things!    Love is a portal to God’s throne and heart.  Love is a portal to God’s wisdom.  Love is possibly the greatest weapon and armor we can have.

Do we love? Not superficially, but beyond measure? Are we Filled (overflowing) with the fruits of righteousness that are visible in Jesus?

In Philippians 2:1, Paul’s prayer is a little different. Before he prayed that they would be filled with this kind and depth of love here, he says

“You ARE FILLED to overflowing with His comforting love. You HAVE EXPERIENCED a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and HAVE FELT His tender affection and mercy!”  [Emphasis Mine]

LOVE is clearly our greatest need, second only to faith in Jesus!    How do we get and keep this Love? First, by full surrender to Jesus. Then, Philippians 4:6-9 details the pathway to tapping into and maintaining the overflow.

Be saturated in prayer. Pray with grateful hearts. Tell Jesus everything; hold nothing back. If the Holy Spirit is our friend and we have that level of relationship, he will guide our prayers.

Out of that pattern of life, the portal to peace opens, and the peace that transcends human understanding floods into our hearts. It is unshakeable. It sets up an impenetrable guard at our hearts and minds.

Then, decide to think with a fixed determination on “all that authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. AND fasten your thoughts on EVERY GLORIOUS WORK OF GOD, praising Him ALWAYS!”  [Emphasis Mine]

Love, genuine self-sacrificing godly overflowing love, is our greatest provision and protection. Yet, too often, we resort to human definitions and demonstrations and suffer lack, disappointment, and short-change ourselves. God has a higher place than where most live for us.

I say, as Paul in Philippians 3:12 – “I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I am pursuing, BUT I run with passion into His abundance SO THAT I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me His own.”

God desires for us to experience and live continuously in His love and peace. There is incredible power and revelation there. That is my goal and the target of my prayer for you.

Have a fantastic day, and keep looking up. Your miracle is on the way!