It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment. – Philippians 1:9
The apostle Peter wanted the early Christians to be “partakers of the divine nature” so they could escape the results of the corruption of the world.
“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (1 Peter 1:2-4).
Paul expanded this thought to say, “If I have all faith… but have not love, I am nothing”
(1 Corinthians 13:2).
Christian love is divine in nature and comes from God, quite different from the tainted perspective of the world. John MacArthur describes it as decisive because it takes the Word of God and applies it to conscious, intentional actions to love God and people; and it is dynamic because Godly love has the capacity to abound, overflowing in the life of the believer.
As the believer grows in the love and understanding of the Lord, he becomes discerning, and able to apply the knowledge of God’s revelation in a wise and judicious way. Having “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) allows you to make wise assessments instead of being naïve and gullible.
The prophet Hosea cried, “There is no faithfulness or steadfast love… My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:1, 6).
Ask the Lord to draw you deeper into His love and knowledge and develop a discerning spirit in you.
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