Only ‘Jesus-like’ Love is the answer!

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment-Philippians 1:9

Paul’s prayer is radical both in form and content. Paul had written about his Jesus-like love for the church, and now he wishes for them to abound in “Jesus-like” love.

Only with love that is above and beyond measure can the Church in Philippi fix divisions, self-interests, and unhealthy competition.

His heart’s desire is for the church to have strong bonds of affection between the brethren. Brotherly (and sisterly) love needs to be Christ-like: selfless, self-giving, and sacrificial.

In this prayer, Paul prays for the church in Philippi to grow and flourish in agape (love). In the New Testament, agape refers to divine love. Love is a major theme in Paul’s writings.

Paul’s prayer is radical both in form and content.

However, Paul doesn’t talk much about love for God in his letters. Rather, he speaks of agape love in relationships between Christians (I Thessalonians 4:9; Colossians 1:4, 3:19; Philemon 1:5; Ephesians 4:2; 5:25; 6:23).

Paul also uses a special word, Perisseue (abound), to denote an unlimited supply, if not a surplus. Paul wanted the church to overflow with this ‘Jesus-like’ love. Only with love that is above and beyond measure can the Philippians Church fix divisions (4:1), self-interests (2:3), and the spirit of unhealthy competition (2:4)

Our fellowship must overflow with “agape”—selfless, self-giving, sacrificial love.

Every church has its flaws, the Church at Philippi included. Sadly, even the faithful are separated from one another by invisible walls. It is ‘Jesus-like’ love that can transform our faith communities.

Our fellowship must overflow with “agape”—selfless, self-giving, sacrificial love. We need to earnestly pray that love overflows in all our relationships, particularly the faith relationships that bind us together in Christ.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment-Philippians 1:9

Ready to experience your Aha Moment?

1) What do you think needs to be fixed in your Church?
2) What are the contemporary stories of divisions, self-intersts, and unhealthy competition in your context/s? How do you feel about this?
3) How do you think you can help fix this with 'Jesus-like' love?