Engaging With Others Part 3

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;10 That ye may approve(judged by sunlight) things that are excellent (the good things that differ); that ye may be sincere and without offence (not stumbling) till the day of Christ.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Colossians 1:9-11 

 God expects us to think things through. Paul prays that our love may abound yet more and more. The word 'abound' is from the Greek word that means to 'over and above superabound'. Added to that is 'yet more and more'. This is a very pregnant thought. We are to over and above superabound yet more and more!

What are we to abound in more and more? Verse 9 says "knowledge and judgement". God wants us to have knowledge; that's an easy one. The word 'judgement' pertains to perception, either through the senses or mental perception. It is not God's desire that we be 'clueless' about what is going on around us and thankfully so.

Paul then goes on to talk about the things happening to him. He wanted them to understand that regardless of what it looked like, the good things about Christ and his effect on their lives could not  be hid. The gospel could not be put behind bars.

Paul was thankful for those who were emboldened to speak about what Christ had done for them. Despite the fact that Paul was in prison they delivered his message with love.  There were others who spoke up about Christ with other motives that weren't so great. Paul still rejoiced that Christ was being heralded! Loving the gospel of Jesus Christ takes all the fear and hurt out of being snubbed by anyone.

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. Philippians 1:12-17

The foundation of Paul's heart and thinking was God. That is the high calling that enables us to have the knowledge and judgement in all situations. Sometimes even when our own motives may falter at times, God can help us to rise to level of abounding love.