CWW WEEK 29 - Spiritual Discernment - Day 4
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Scripture:
“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 That Thinks Deeply
When we think of love, we often picture emotion—warmth, kindness, compassion. And rightly so. But in his letter to the Philippians, Paul prays for a love that thinks—a love that grows not only in feeling but in knowledge and depth of insight. He’s asking God to give the believers a love that goes beyond sentimentality and leads to wisdom and discernment.
It’s a beautiful picture of Christian maturity: a heart that is full of love and a mind shaped by truth. This kind of love doesn’t just react; it reflects. It doesn’t just feel; it understands. It’s love rooted in God’s Word, shaped by the Spirit, and expressed in daily life with grace and truth.
This reminds us that Christian love isn’t blind. It doesn’t ignore truth, compromise integrity, or follow feelings wherever they lead. Instead, it asks, “What is best in God’s eyes?”—and it pursues that with both compassion and conviction.
Knowledge and Insight: Fuel for Discernment
Paul’s prayer is that the Philippians’ love would overflow more and more—but with direction. This is important because love without discernment can become indulgent or naïve, just as knowledge without love can become cold or harsh. But when the two come together, we are equipped to live wisely and well.
The words Paul uses—knowledge and depth of insight—point to spiritual understanding. This isn’t just intellectual information; it’s knowing God deeply and seeing life from His perspective. It’s having the ability to navigate complex situations, weigh what is truly valuable, and choose what reflects God’s character.
And how do we grow in this kind of insight? By spending time in Scripture. By praying with open hearts. By walking closely with the Spirit. By inviting God into our decision-making, even in the small, everyday moments. As we do, we become people who can discern what is best—not just what is good, or acceptable, or popular, but best.
Pure and Blameless for the Day of Christ
Paul anchors his prayer in eternity: “…so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” The Christian life is not aimless. It’s headed somewhere—towards the return of Jesus, when every heart will be laid bare and every life revealed for what it truly was.
To be pure and blameless is not to be perfect in our own strength. It’s to be sincere, genuine, free from hidden sin or hypocrisy. It’s to live with integrity, knowing we’ll one day stand before the One who sees all. And this life of purity flows not from guilt or fear but from a growing love—one that wants to honour Christ in everything.
This kind of life doesn’t happen by accident. It’s shaped through intentional growth—through choosing love over pride, truth over convenience, and wisdom over impulse. The more we know Jesus, the more we’ll love like Him. And the more we love like Him, the more we’ll be able to discern what really matters.
A Life That Overflows
This short prayer of Paul’s packs a powerful message: our faith is meant to grow, not remain static. We’re called to an ever-deepening love, one that is wise, discerning, and purposeful. In a world full of noise and distraction, we need this kind of love more than ever—a love that leads to clarity, holiness, and a life that brings glory to God.
Let’s keep asking for this love to abound in us. Let’s keep growing in knowledge and insight. And let’s keep aiming for what is best, trusting that God is shaping us into people who reflect His heart more each day.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways is God calling you to grow in love that is informed by truth and wisdom?
- Are there areas in your life where you need greater spiritual discernment to know what is best?
- How does thinking about the “day of Christ” influence your choices and priorities today?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to love well and live wisely. Help our love to abound more and more—not just in emotion but in knowledge and spiritual insight. Teach us to discern what is best, to choose what honours You, and to walk in purity and sincerity. Shape our hearts and minds so that we may live blamelessly, ready for the day we meet Christ face to face.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
Church Without Walls.
