Lessons in Philippians - Love

In Philippians Paul is writing a letter of affection and love to the church there. He visited Philippi on his second missionary journey, preaching at a women’s prayer meeting where Lydia was converted. She then offered her home to Paul while he was in Philippi. The church of Philippi later sent assistance to Paul while imprisoned in Rome. This letter was an expression of thanks, gratitude, and love towards the Philippians.

Paul’s love for the Philippians was rooted in their faithfulness to the gospel and their willingness to stand firm in one spirit. Paul considered them a partner in his work to spread the gospel of Christ. He was committed to this joint effort and strengthened the relationship through constant prayer. (Phil 1:7-10)

Paul expressed his concern for the Philippians to grow in Christ. He prayed with joy because of his confidence that they would continue to grow in Christ. (Phil. 1:4-6) Paul was always concerned that the people God sent him to minister to would grow as new born babies into a stronger more mature relationship with Christ. (1 Peter 2:2)

In verse 9 Paul tells the Philippians exactly what spiritual maturity he is praying for them. He prays for their love to grow. He prays for their knowledge and insight to grow giving them greater discernment to what is best so they may be pure and blameless. He prays for them to be filled with the righteousness of Christ to the praise and glory of God.

These things can be summarized into five strengths which are essential to a godly life.

LOVE

DISCERNMENT

INTEGRITY

GOOD WORKS

GLORY

In this post we will discuss LOVE. In future post we will discuss the remaining four essential strengths.

Paul prayed “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” When writing to the churches Paul frequently wrote about love. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul explained what love is and what it is not.

Take time to go to 1 Corinthians and read what Paul wrote about love. The link is here.

Paul wrote of several good and wonderful things Christians can do, such as prophesizing, moving mountains, understanding mysteries of the faith, or giving to the poor. But if we do these without love than we have nothing and have gained nothing. We have worked hard and accomplished things the world can see but in God’s eyes it is nothing without love. We are merely a clanging symbol making noise but not providing music.

1 Corinthians 13 tells us many of the characteristics of love. Love is patient, and kind. When we wait patiently for our time in line we are showing Christian love. When we hold the door open for someone or help a stranger carry a heavy load we are displaying Christian love. In the small things of life, we can show others the love of God through our patient and kind attitudes and behaviors.

Love protects, trust, hopes and perseveres. If we protect other people’s children from harm such as bullying, or crossing the street, we are showing Christian love to the children and their parents.

When we are trust worthy towards people, we are showing Christian love towards others. A strong Christian’s word is his bond. When we give our word people do not doubt or question are trustworthiness.

When have hope that God will bring his work to completion in our lives and the lives of others we are displaying Christian love. Even the most wretched among us can be transformed by God. As Christian we hope to see the transformations in our churches and communities.

When we preserve in good works towards others we are showing Christian love. If you are praying for a difficult person even though the results are not what you want, it is Christian love that allows you to continue in prayer.

Christian love does not boast, is not envious, and is not proud. If we see our neighbor’s new car and feel envious enough to tell every one our car is really better, then we are not expressing Christian love. Christian love does not show envy at the good fortune of others. Instead we celebrate their success. Loving Christians are not so proud that we cannot celebrate other’s success and humbly keep quiet about our accomplishments.

Love does not delight in evil. When we see other’s misfortune or hardship, Christian love does not gloat and feel superior. Christian love offers a helping hand to reduce the suffering of others.

Christian love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. When we yell at others in traffic we are not showing Christian love. When our friends or family make us mad and we hold a grudge against them waiting for an opportunity to strike back, we are not showing Christian love. Instead of holding a grudge, Christian love forgives quickly and restores the relationship.

In a Christian’s life there is faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these if love. Christian love is not emotional, sentimental. It is not a physical attraction to another person. It is not a feeling about another person.

Christian love is a choice. It is a decision we make

to act a certain way towards other people.

The choice is always to love others as God first loved us. To show other’s compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. To help those in need. To comfort those struggling. This type of selfless love comes from God and God alone. God gives us the ability to love as he loves. God’s love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 5:5) It is though God’s generosity that we have the ability to choose to love others.

Jesus commanded us to love one another. Through this love the world will know we belong to Jesus.

A new command I give you: Love one another. 
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, 
if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

We know how to love because God first loved us. Because we love God and His truth we will grow in knowledge and insight into what is excellent.  We will be able to discern what is best.

In the next post we will learn how love leads to discernment and what is discernment.

Did you find this post insightful? Perhaps even loving! Do you have a new view of what it means to be a loving Christian? Please comment and let me know.