Love and Discernment

Have you ever wondered what to pray when you pray for other Christians? Paul actually gives us the answer in Philippians 1:9–11:

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (NKJV)

Interestingly, Paul is praying they would grow in both love and discernment. Sometimes it seems as though love and discernment are mutually exclusive. In other words, some people seem to be very discerning but not very loving. And some can be very loving but not very discerning.

People who say they have a discernment ministry are essentially saying they like to argue and be obnoxious. They challenge everything. And I’ve found that some of these people are downright mean.

On the other hand, some Christians are loving but not discerning. They simply accept everything and everyone, regardless of what they believe. But what they believe actually does matter. There’s a place for discernment.

Paul prayed for the believers in Philippi to grow in love. Love is a mark of a true Christian. You can’t love Jesus and not love the church. You can’t love God if you’re not willing to love your brother or sister in Christ.

In fact, Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV). Don’t wait for the emotion. Just take a little step. Make that benevolent gesture. Offer that kind word. Start doing loving things, and your love will grow.

A mark of real faith is that you love your Christian brothers and sisters.