Principle #2: Learn How to Love

Paul’s letter demonstrated a clear affection for the Philippians, as he mentioned the joyful memories he had of them and the way those memories buoyed his spirits while in chains. But also early in his letter, he encouraged them to learn how to better love one another. His hopes for them to “abound” in love filled his prayers. The word abound in the Greek language means “more than enough”—meaning he wanted their love to grow and multiply and spill over.

Love is a complicated word in the English language, as it seems to have several meanings. But Paul’s use of the word love was not one of shallow feelings. Rather, he was describing yet another habit or routine. Love was not a natural affinity but a skill to be honed, a muscle to be exercised. Learning how to love takes a great deal of focus and training, and Paul hoped and prayed for the Christians at Philippi to become practiced in the art of loving.

Learning to love well would certainly help the believers of Philippi to live in peace together, but what does love have to do with joy? Perhaps we should return to the words of Jesus for a reminder. In the Gospel of John, Jesus informed us that the love the Father has for him he passed on to us. Then he said: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). When we take in more and more of God’s love for us, it spills out of us to others. It is God’s love we offer to those around us versus the sometimes toxic love that comes from humans alone. When we love others with the kind of love God gives us, a sort of chain reaction is carried out. And when we are part of a cycle of giving and receiving a godly love, it is only natural that the process would increase our joy. Paul wanted this joy for his friends at Philippi, and he wanted it for you and me too.

Reflect: Who is someone you can choose to love this week? What will that choice look like in practice—in word and in deed?

Pray: Dear God, help me to learn how to love as you love. Show me how to care for others, thus reminding them that they are loved by a perfect Father. Amen.