Cindy Powell

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. –Phil. 1:9-10

Paul didn’t pray that the Philippians would be  blessed.

He didn’t pray that they would have everything they desired. He didn’t pray that they would be a people of note or the best of the best.

He didn’t pray that they would succeed. He didn’t pray that they would have an unusually effective ministry or that they would have increased abilities and anointing.

He didn’t pray that they would be free from trouble. He didn’t pray that they would escape loss or heartache.

He prayed that they would have love …

And that their love would abound.

Because when love abounds–you are blessed.

When love abounds you do have what you most desire. When love abounds you do have the best of the best.

When love abounds you succeed in what is most important. And love is the only basis for any truly effective ministry.

But love won’t keep you free from pain. Love itself is free, yet it costs everything. Opening your heart to love is the biggest risk any of us will ever take.

But it’s a risk that is always worth taking.

Paul knew that. Because Paul  loved the Philippians. That’s why he didn’t pray first for protection and peace — for satisfaction and success — or for purpose and provision …

He prayed for love.

He prayed for love that abounds. Love that abounds in depth of insight. Love that abounds in the knowledge of the One who is himself Love.

He prayed for love, because without love–nothing means anything. Without love, everything we do becomes a flurry of misguided effort to make something–anything–happen.

Without love, we’re out of touch and out of step. Without love we’re dancing off-tempo and singing off-key.

Without love, life is just a bunch of noise.

That’s why Paul didn’t want the Philippians to be without love. That’s why I don’t want to be without love.

That’s why I don’t want you to be without love. 

So this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Amen.