“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11, The Message).

I’ve said it before, but sometimes it helps to read a familiar passage in a different translation. It helps to bring out some of the nuances in the text that aren’t in your translation of choice. For me, it makes the passage come alive to read it in a more modern rendition.

I love this passage. We need to learn to not only love much but to love well. Our love needs to be based in faith not feelings and above all in truth. Otherwise, it becomes sentimental gush. We need to love the way God has loved is in Christ — He loves us as we are but refuses to leave us that way. Love does everything in its power to bring out the very best in the beloved.

Lord, help us to love in a way that draws people closer to You and in a way that brings out all that You created them to be. Help us to love them like You loved us. Amen.