Philippians 1: 9-11, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Who is it that you desire to influence? Is it your co-workers, family member, friends, relatives, or a neighbor? Paul knew the best way to influence people was by praying for them as he did for these believers in Philippi. This was also Paul’s prayer for new Christians in Thessalonica: “And may the Lord make you increase in and abound in love for one another for and all, as we do for you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:12. Showing love is the first and necessary step in being of benefit to others and encouraging them, as Christ poured His grace, love, and mercy to us by His provision, protection, and presence in our lives.
Paul recognized the believers in Philippi had a love for one another, but he wanted it to be more, as he told them “that your love may abound more and more.” Paul saw (from a distance since he was in prison) the image of God upon these believers. Distance did not stop their mutual friendship and admiration. Unity in fellowship has no interstate traveling restrictions, especially today with our modern devices of text messaging, emailing, calling on the phone, and getting to see one another in person when that is possible. Who in your circle of friends do you see the image of God upon? What is it they have done for you that has made this lasting impression?
Paul’s mood of joy comes through in his letter to the Philippians, despite his living circumstances in a prison cell. The reader can hear Paul’s cheerful voice in his written expression of nurturing and cherishing by praying for these believers, with passion and generosity. With the pandemic and the need to wear masks in public, our voice tone is even more critical now in verbal or written conversations. Have you noticed that? One’s mood is heightened in being received by our tone of voice because the mask is covering up our mouth when required to be worn. Think about that for a moment. What can you say that will turn someone’s mood around and put a smile upon their face despite what may be going wrong and out of their control?
I received notice from Grammarly, that in 2020, Grammarly users paid more attention to the tone and wording they used in not only what they said but how they said it. I find that interesting and worth noting.
James 3:18 is a parallel verse which says, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Jon Courson said in his Application Commentary, “So, too, Paul says, “Although there’s a very real war in which you’re involved, be very careful that in your battle mentality you don’t start chopping this person, that group, or the other ministry. Don’t pick on them; pick what is helpful from them as fruit that can be used for your own growth.” Those are wise words.
One’s honor, integrity, uprightness, and truthfulness need to be rooted in love. I like The Message’s version of Philippians 1:11-13, “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 would 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.” That is my challenge for 2021, in making Jesus Christ attractive to all I encounter, filled with the fruit of righteousness, to the glory and praise of God, by my mood, tone, and voice being received in any form of conversation.
Listen to Casting Crowns and Matthew West sing Nobody.