Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
Do you remember the last time you filled your cup just a little too full? You're trying to walk from one spot to another, and you might have spilled a little bit. Keep that picture in mind as we consider today's Verse of the Day.
It's Philippians chapter 1, verse 9. It says, "I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding."
It's Okay to Get Messy
This could get a little messy. Paul is writing this letter to the Philippian church, and if you're keeping that picture in your mind of walking with a glass so full it can't help but spill over, you would wonder, how am I supposed to keep things clean? Paul is making the point: it's okay to get messy when it comes to the love of God.
To some people, it might be a little offensive in the way that you love someone that others might look down on. But the truth is, that's what Jesus did in His ministry every single day. He went to those who were less than lovely, who were untouchable. I'm even reminded right now of the paralytic and how he was brought down through a roof, laid in front of many, many people, and Jesus forgives his sins. Not only does He do that, He tells him to stand up and walk.
The religious leaders at that time looked at Him and thought He was crazy. One, who could forgive sins but God? Two, it's crazy to tell someone who hasn't been able to walk to get up and walk. But Jesus let His love overflow. He showed the people that not only was He able to forgive sins, but He could also heal the sick.
The Love Isn't Yours
Now you're thinking, Landon, how am I supposed to do that? How am I supposed to let my love overflow when I have a hard enough time staring that person in the face at work? Here's a good reminder: the love isn't yours to give in the first place. It's God's. What we can do is come to Him and ask Him to fill us with the love that He had for people around Him.
I'm reminded of Psalm 23 at the very end where it says, "My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life." The pouring in of the Lord into your life naturally turns into an overflow as we continue to come to Him and ask Him for more. The Bible also says in the Psalms that His love endures forever.
Growing in Knowledge and Understanding
As long as you come to a place of saying, Lord, I want to love people the way You did, we can make the same connection that Paul did at the back end of that scripture—growing in knowledge and understanding. The more you love people the way Jesus loves people, the more you'll understand and see His heart at work through you, and you'll start to see Him in the ones that you love.
Today, I challenge you to take some time. Ask the Lord, give me more of Your love for others today, and I guarantee you He'll show up. You'll grow in your knowledge and understanding of Him, and His love will never run out.