Why should your “Jesus-like” love be smart and wise?

I pray that your love will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding – Philippians 1:9

Paul wanted Christians in Philippi to love each other more and more. This love, however, needs to be more than just a lot; it also needs to be smart and wise.

Did you know that Christian life and experience are incomplete without ‘knowledge’ and ‘discernment’. Epígnōsis (translated as Knowledge) refers to genuine first-hand knowledge. More than being cerebral or cognitive, it is ‘experiential’ or ‘personal’ knowledge.

Christian life and experience are incomplete without ‘knowledge’ and ‘discernment’.

Aísthēsis (discernment) is unique to this verse. It refers to a type of discernment that clearly shows how things look from God’s point of view. There is no room for confusion regarding faith and practice.

Spiritual knowledge and wisdom are built on personal spiritual experiences. Our Spiritual knowledge and wisdom (discernment), then, are shaped by the people (contacts) and situations we meet (contexts).

The Church is the best place to find (and share) ‘knowledge’ and ‘wisdom’

The Church is the best place to find (and share) ‘knowledge’ and ‘wisdom’ because it is filled with “Jesus-like” love – above and beyond measure. We, as a church, must grow in love, knowledge, and discernment (elsewhere, Paul calls this an indicator of maturity).

We must allow our shared experience to shape our devotion, theological reflection and faith in action.

Sadly, we do not find such shared experience (of love, knowledge and discernment) in our Churches. We must allow our shared experience (of love, knowledge and discernment) to shape our devotion, theological reflection and faith in action.

The Christian way of ‘knowing’ is through ‘reasoned-faith and faithful-reason. And more importantly, it is a collaborative effort. It can’t be otherwise. ‘Personal’ spiritual experiences are an invaluable resource. Everyone in Church must ‘give’ and ‘receive’.

Paul’s prayer is a call for Church renewal. It is a passionate appeal to re-make the Church in God’s design. 

I pray that your love will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding - Philippians 1:9

Ready to experience your Aha Moment?

1) Is my 'Jesus-like' love informed by personal and/or experiential knowledge? 
2) Do I share my 'personal' knowledge with others? How much do I withold?
3) Do I receive 'personal knowledge' from others in the fellowship? How much do I refuse?