Love: A New Commandment - a Journey in PhilippiansSample

Where there’s a will, there’s a … work

Whenever you see the word “therefore” when reading the Bible, it’s good to ask what it is for. At this point in the letter, we seem to be taking a turn. In the first part of the letter, the foundation is laid: you are in Christ. In him, you learn to think in a new way about God, yourself and even about what’s happening in your world. God’s new creation work has started. Hold fast to this word, because now we’ll talk about your work.

It’s not that you start with faith and then add good works on top of that, maybe to earn God’s salvation or to feel better about yourself or, God forbid, to impress other people! You work because God works. And when God works, we are not spectators. Just think back to the first creation.

The Greek word Paul uses here for God’s work is “energy”. God’s energy enables you to will and to work. Paul, in this passage, refers to Israel that murmured in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. He wants to encourage us. We are God’s people, also on our way to a promised land. (More about that later in the letter.)

Now we must step up to the plate and take responsibility. No more murmuring and blaming others as Israel did. No more being babies, depending on someone else to think salvation through and implement it for you. No more saying, “If Paul were here, he would know what to do”. God is working in you! Trust him and work with him. So, to overflow in love is something we ask from God and something we work with him to grow.

Reflection Question

Have I taken up my responsibility to grow in love or am I still making excuses?

Prayer:

Thank you, Father God, for the energy of your Spirit working in me. Thank you for the will you worked in me. Help me get rid of any excuses and take responsibility to grow in love. Guide me in working with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.