MAY YOUR LOVE INCREASE AND OVERFLOW FOR EACH OTHER

Proclamation:

“May The Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  In this third chapter, Paul expresses his love and concern for the Thessalonians. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-7)  He also tells them of his desire to see them again. (1 Thessalonians 3:9-11)  Then he ends by praying that The Lord God will increase their love for each other and that He will strengthen their hearts.

Application:

Here the word “love” is not an affectionate term.  It implies an active seeking of the welfare of another.  “Love” here has a purpose; it is not an end in itself. (According to Bible scholar J. Vernon McGee)  Paul prays for the believers to have love for all men, and for the purity of their heart.  We would do well to pray this prayer for each other.  We all need God’s help because some of the people we encounter are difficult to love.  Also, it is difficult for us not to think evil and sinful thoughts, and to maintain a pure heart and mind.  We need for God to create within us a clean heart and a right spirit. (Psalm 51:10)  For the pure in heart shall see God. (Psalm 24:4 and Matthew 5:8)  Be reminded of the fact that Jesus, The Christ, is coming again to gather up His own.

MAY YOU GROW IN LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHT

Proclamation:

“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, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written in a letter by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Philippi.  After introducing himself and greeting them, Paul offers a prayer for them knowing that the good work which Christ had begun in them would be completed. (Philippians 1:3-6)  He prays that they would grow in love and knowledge and insight, so that they would know and do what is good and right to the glory and praise of God.

Application:

As believers we are to love all of God’s people, even those who are difficult to love.  However, there are some people that we need to love at a distance.  We need to learn how to love with knowledge and discernment because there are some individuals who would take advantage of us.  We need God’s help in deciding what is the best thing, and right thing to do.  If on our own we choose the wrong path, we need to confess that we made a mistake, and then turn around and head in the direction that The Lord God would have us to go.  Additionally, as we deal with people, we need to be sincere and honest.  The truth may offend some people but we should speak the truth in an effort to be helpful and therefore be blameless. (Philippians 1:10)  We should speak in such a way as to be helpful and to edify the body of Christ.  In all that we do, it should be done to the glory and praise of God. 

WISDOM KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ARE GIFTS FROM THE LORD GOD

Proclamation:

“For The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb, like all of the proverbs, was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to provide instruction and guidance to the people of God.  This second proverb also addresses wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  It begins by encouraging the People of God to accept The Word of God and to keep His commandments on their mind and in their heart. (Proverb 2:1)  Those who listen to The Word of God and apply it, will receive the insight and understanding they seek. (Proverbs 2:2-5)  Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are all gifts for God. (Proverbs 2:6)   He also determines who He will allow to succeed and who He will protect. (Proverbs 2:7-8)  He allows us to understand that which is right and just.  With wisdom in our heart, knowledge will be pleasant to our soul, and discretion will protect us. (Proverbs 2:9-11)  They will keep us from the ways of the wicked who delight in doing wrong (Proverbs 2:12-15) and from the adulterous woman whose ways lead to death. (Proverbs 2:16-19)  Only those who walk in the ways of the good, who keep on the path of the righteous, and who are upright and blameless will live. (Proverbs 2:20-22)

Application:

Those of us who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom will find it. (Matthew 7:7-8)  Wisdom is a gift from The Lord God. (Proverbs 2:6)  All we can do is pray and ask for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in addition to discretion and discernment.  We should also pray for His guidance and direction so that we choose the right path and the right way. (Psalm 31:3, Psalm 112:5, and Luke 1:79)