Philippians 1:7-8 shows us how much the Philippians meant to the Apostle Paul. They were an encouragement to him, and he desires their love to grow more and more. We, as believers in Christ, have been called to love others with the same love that God had for us in sending His Son to provide eternal life. Take some time to pause in your reading of this to personally reflect on your love toward those around you. Remember, we are called to love to the extent that God loved you (John 15:12).
Here are a few reminders in regards to true, godly love.
Love is primary, not an afterthought. (I Corinthians 13:13). 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that we can be the most religious people on earth and yet remain nothing without love (vv. 1-2). It also tells us that we can be the most benevolent people on earth, and it has no profit if it is absent of charity (vs. 3). God does not simply desire “good” things; He wants them to have the proper motivation: love.
Love will overlook wrongs and overcome prejudices. (I Peter 4:8). Oftentimes the ones we love the most will hurt us the deepest. Think of how much it pained God for His creation to rebel against Him time and time again. Instead of holding grudges, love will be understanding and persevere when someone wrongs us in some way or says an unkind word. Love begets forgi ...
