Love Yet More and More

Paul uses this phrase in his instruction to the advanced Churches, those who already
love one another… but why? He encourages them to keep growing in this key godly
characteristic. One reason is that as the doctrine of selfless love continues to work
in them, they will increasingly develop godliness, a fruit of the Spirit, which has its
center in the One who is love. (I John 4:16) Godliness brings glory to God and is the
outworking of Christ working in us as we yield. (Gal.2:20) We are to offer our physical
vessel as an instrument of righteousness of God (Rom.6:13) to become living
sacrifices. This brings glory to Him and is a manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ
living and working in and through us. As we mature in sound doctrine, we develop
His qualities, more and more, the center of which is godly love, the core of all
ministry and service (Rom 12:1-2) as His ambassadors and servants.

When we allow Christ to live His resurrection life in us, God is manifest and His life
shines out of us in our thinking, words, and behavior. There is a future glory to our
Christ filled life, but also a present reality of glory: “For bodily exercise profiteth little:
but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and
of that which is to come.” (I Tim. 4:8) We become enabled to live the doctrine
effectually: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye
received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men,
but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that
believe.” (I Thess 2:13) Paul encourages even the mature saint to continue to grow.

As we live this out, Christ is magnified and the great power of God by His love fulfills
all the Law as we allow Him to rule in us. How marvelous! Romans 13:8 states: “Owe
no man any thing but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled
the law.” God’s love can continue to grow more and more as we take in the Word,
but also choose to apply it and allow it to be put on display in life situations. As this
is done, Christ the Word spills out toward others through us, affecting and
comforting them. The purpose: “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which
are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11), which is the prayer
of Paul for the Philippian Church, to grow more in love and godly knowledge,
enabling wise judgment. I Thessalonians 4:9-10 also encourages saints to increase in
brotherly love toward the Body and in ministry. Study this for yourself!

To Do: Where are you in the process of loving others and how can you grow more
in selfless love: with the Church, family, and friends? Meditate on these things,
purposing to think about ways it could be manifest in your life, with even one
person. It doesn’t automatically happen; we are to prepare and pray to live godly.