Scripture For Today
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. - Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
Love is one of the most powerful commands given to us by God. Yet the kind of love that Scripture calls us to walk in is not shallow or blind. It is a love that abounds in knowledge and discernment, guided by wisdom and anchored in truth. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was not simply that they would grow in affection or good deeds, but that their love would be informed by understanding and depth of insight. This kind of love goes beyond emotion. It seeks to honor God by discerning what is best and acting in ways that reflect purity and righteousness.
We live in a world where love is often distorted. Some see love as permissiveness, allowing anything in the name of tolerance. Others see love as conditional, based on performance or reciprocity. But biblical love stands apart. It is gentle yet firm, compassionate yet discerning. Jesus Himself said we are to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. That means our love must carry the balance of wisdom and tenderness. Without wisdom, love can become naive and enable harm. Without gentleness, love can become harsh and judgmental. But when both wisdom and gentleness flow together, our love reflects the heart of God.
Paul reminds us that love rooted in knowledge enables us to discern what is best. Discernment is essential because not every opportunity is from God, not every relationship is healthy, and not every path leads to life. To love with discernment means we lean on the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It means asking the Lord for clarity before stepping into decisions. It means being willing to say no when something does not align with God’s truth, even if it costs us comfort or approval.
This type of love also calls us to examine our motives. Do we serve others from a desire to please people, or from a place of obedience to Christ? Do we forgive with wisdom, setting healthy boundaries when necessary, or do we allow ourselves to be continually misused? Love rooted in knowledge does not allow manipulation, but it also does not harden into bitterness. It finds its strength in the wisdom of God.
At its core, abounding love is about growth. Paul prays that love would increase more and more. This shows us that love is not stagnant but continually maturing. As we grow in knowledge of God through His Word and walk daily with the Spirit, our love matures. We learn how to care deeply without compromising truth, how to show mercy without excusing sin, and how to extend grace while standing firm in righteousness. This balance requires spiritual maturity.
The ultimate aim of this love is that we may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Love with wisdom prepares us for eternity. It shapes us into people who reflect Christ’s character and draw others toward Him. When our love is grounded in knowledge and discernment, we walk in a way that glorifies God and keeps us aligned with His will.
This is the kind of love the world desperately needs to see. A love that is patient and kind, but also discerning and wise. A love that does not shrink back from truth, yet always seeks the good of others. A love that looks like Jesus.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Root Your Love in God’s Word
Spend time daily in Scripture so that your understanding of love aligns with God’s truth. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When your mind is renewed by the Word, your love will be shaped by wisdom rather than cultural definitions of love.
2. Seek the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
Before making decisions in relationships, service, or ministry, ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. John 16:13 promises that the Spirit will guide us into all truth. Invite Him into your moments of uncertainty, trusting that He will give you clarity on what is best and how to love with both wisdom and gentleness.
3. Practice Love with Boundaries
Loving with knowledge means recognizing when to extend grace and when to establish boundaries. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. By setting healthy boundaries, you protect your heart while still walking in Christlike compassion. This allows your love to remain pure, effective, and aligned with God’s purposes.
Closing Encouragement
As you grow in wisdom and knowledge, allow your love to mature into something that reflects both truth and grace. The Lord is shaping you into someone who can discern what is best and live blameless before Him. Do not settle for shallow love when God calls you to abound in a love that is rich with insight. Let your love shine as a testimony of His wisdom at work in your life.