In what ways can we grow in love to discern excellence? Love That Abounds with Insight “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and every kind of discernment” (Philippians 1:9) • Love is not static; it is meant to overflow. • The overflow is guided by “knowledge” (accurate truth) and “discernment” (Spirit-shaped application). • Growing love never ignores truth; it is anchored to it (1 John 3:18). Why Love Fuels Discernment “so that you may approve the things that are excellent” (Philippians 1:10) • “Approve” (dokimazō) means to test and recognize what passes God’s standard. • Love seeks what pleases God and blesses people; therefore love sharpens spiritual taste buds. • Excellence (ta diapheronta) points to the things that truly matter for eternity (Matthew 6:19-20). Scriptural Touchpoints on Love-Driven Excellence • Romans 12:2 — Transformation renews the mind so believers “prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Hebrews 5:14 — “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” • 1 Corinthians 13:6 — Love “rejoices with the truth,” refusing to tolerate half-truths. • Colossians 1:9-10 — Being “filled with the knowledge of His will” leads to walking “worthy of the Lord … bearing fruit in every good work.” Practical Habits That Make Love Grow and Discern 1. Immerse in Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Daily exposure shapes affections toward what God calls excellent. 2. Pray for Insight • Paul’s own prayer in Philippians 1:9 models asking God to stretch our love and understanding. 3. Obey Promptly • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Obedience multiplies insight; disobedience dulls it. 4. Cultivate Christ-Centered Relationships • “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Shared pursuit of holiness calibrates communal discernment. 5. Practice Discernment Daily • Weigh entertainment choices, conversations, financial decisions, and ambitions against Scripture. • Over time, the senses are “trained” (Hebrews 5:14). Marks of a Life Approving Excellence • Purity: “pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10). • Filled with righteous fruit (Philippians 1:11). • Peaceable wisdom (James 3:17). • Joy rooted in the gospel, not circumstances (Philippians 4:4). Guardrails Against Counterfeits • Reject love that excuses sin (Isaiah 5:20). • Resist knowledge that inflates pride without love (1 Corinthians 8:1). • Shun discernment that becomes suspicion or cynicism (Ephesians 4:31-32). Living Out Excellence Until Christ Returns “being filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11). • Growth in love and discernment magnifies Christ now and prepares believers for His return. • Every choice refined by Scripture-shaped love becomes an offering of glory to God. |
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