Cultivating Love with Wisdom

 "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)

What does it take for something to truly grow? It’s easy to think that growth happens effortlessly, but any gardener knows that’s not the case. Consider the care you, as the gardener, give to a small plant—you water it, place it in sunlight, pluck away the weeds that may steal its nutrients, and prune away anything that might hinder its growth. But is that enough? Without rich soil, careful attention, and wisdom in knowing when to trim and when to nurture, the plant won’t reach its full potential.

Love, like that plant, needs more than just intention—it requires knowledge, discernment, and purposeful action. As Paul prays in today’s passage, he isn’t asking for love merely to exist—he desires it to grow and deepen in wisdom so that believers can live pure and blameless lives before Christ. 

But how does love truly grow in wisdom? Paul’s words provide a path forward, showing that love flourishes when nurtured with intention through four key practices.

• Love – True love isn’t just sentiment; it’s an active, growing force. God calls us to love in a way that deepens over time—becoming wiser, stronger, and more Christlike.

• Learn – Love isn’t blind; it’s informed. Paul encourages believers to gain knowledge and depth of insight. When we study God's Word, pray, and seek truth, our love becomes more intentional and impactful.

• Discern – Love guided by wisdom leads to discernment—knowing what is right, true, and best. We are called to make choices that reflect God's heart, not just our emotions.

• Apply – Learning and discernment are only meaningful when put into practice. Paul’s ultimate goal in this passage is that believers live pure and blameless lives, making their love a visible testimony of God's grace.

Just as you, the gardener, must continually learn, discern, and apply wisdom in nurturing a plant, so too must you cultivate love with intentional care. Without wisdom, love can grow unruly, lacking direction and purpose. Without action, it remains a seed that never fully flourishes.

Lord, help me to cultivate love, not just as a feeling, but as something nurtured through wisdom and understanding. Teach me to tend to it with discernment, so that it may flourish and reflect Your grace. Guide me as I apply Your truth in my daily walk, pruning away anything that hinders growth. May my love be intentional, bearing fruit that glorifies You. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim