Daily Devotional

"⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
- Philippians 1:9-11

This is a beautiful prayer made by the apostle Paul to the Philippians; indirectly, it has also reached each of us. In it, he asks for love to increase in two fundamental things:

1. knowledge
2. perception

An increase in love is fundamental nowadays. But it's not something nominal or superficial. Love implies knowledge and all perception (discernment, being attentive). This means that we need to know more about the object of our love: God in the first place, and our neighbor as ourselves.

In addition, we also need to be attentive, with all perceptions, to love more and better. This means no longer being insensitive and alienated, but paying attention to others and their needs. Remember, you were and are loved by the greatest Love in the world. That's why you can also show greater love for God and others.

Love in Action!

• Being loved and loving changes our understanding of living, it should change our attitude towards everything and everyone.
• Look for ways to get to know God better, through a personal relationship with Him. Also, try to get to know the reality of other people. Get involved, participate, and find ways to love more.
• Pray more and get to know the Bible better - reading, preaching, Bible studies, and courses are good ways.
• Look around you, like the "good Samaritan". See what you can do for others today.
• Ask God to increase your love (and that of the whole church), to love with knowledge and a good understanding and sensitivity.

Pray:

Lord our God, help me to love more.
Teach me to love you faithfully above all things, and also to love those who are the object of your love.
May I notice those who suffer along the way and extend my arms to the afflicted.
Increase knowledge and a good understanding of life, so that Your love is reflected in me and reaches out to others around me. In the name of Jesus, I thank you for everything.
Amen!

You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:5

Our God is good all the time. He is perfect and knows our limitations. Knowing our imperfections - and that we wouldn't be able to save ourselves - He sent His Son Jesus, who justified our Salvation.

Confessing our sins to God is part of our transformation in Christ. More than knowing that God is forgiving, it is truly seeking his forgiveness. The power of forgiveness eases the burden on our souls and gives us the possibility of continuing in faith. When we don't seek God's forgiveness, we carry the weight of guilt and this burden keeps us from the Lord's path.

Only God can hear us, only he can forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He is merciful and forgiving. Seek to be reconciled with God, seek his presence. Ask forgiveness for your sins, and press on towards the goal which is Christ! Don't delay in returning to the Lord's arms.

Seeking God's forgiveness:

• God is ready to listen to us. Seek his presence in prayer and confess your sins to him.
• If we have sinned against our brothers and sisters, we must be reconciled with them. Ask for forgiveness.
• Create a forgiving heart, forgive. If we don't forgive our brothers, why should we be forgiven?

Pray:

Lord, you are kind and forgiving. Forgive my sins and weaknesses. I want to learn more from you. I don't want to stand around with my hands tied by sin, set me free! Your grace has saved me and I want to walk Your path of light again. Amen!