Philippians 1:6-11, Discerning Love
Love: Biblical love involves the whole person: heart (affections), will (desires), mind (thoughts).[1]
Love is much more than a feeling. It is command-driven rather than feeling-driven.
In other words, it is a response to God's commands rather than a self-centeredness.
Therefore, it requires a person to fulfill what they ought to fulfill; they
will have joy in doing it knowing it is pleasing to God and those they serve.
Consequently, biblical love is not biblical until it has been exercised; Paul
called it real knowledge.[2]
Christians should intentionally seek ways to love others[3]
increasingly. Another practical expression of love is discernment. Christians
need to make actual day-to-day decisions to love others - decisions grounded on
a knowledge of God's Word.
Approve: Decisions are made from assessments. Some may make assessments carelessly, leading to decisions that are not loving nor acts of worship to God. Others make assessments with biblical conviction;[4] leading to whole-hearted approval in their decisions. Each decision is an act of worship/ obedience to God. It can be said that one's assessment is the dividing line of every action. The world's assessment leads them to approve whatever "makes you happy" but, Christians' assessments lead to what is pleasing to God. To a greater extent, it is a joy for Christians to conform our lives to please God because our hearts approve Christ as superior to any temporary pleasure.
Scripture References:
Matthew 22:37 And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally
then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you
received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just
as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you
eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
[1] Jesus answered the Pharisee's question regarding the greatest commandment as loving with all your heart, soul (desires), and mind: God first and your neighbor second (Mt. 22:37).
[2] Real knowledge is experienced knowledge. The adage is incomplete: "it is the thought that counts."
[3] Beginning in the family (Eph. 5:22-6:4; Dt. 6:6-7). We should not neglect or take for granted the gift of these relationships and this God-given sphere to express biblical love. 1 Th. 4:1 . . . as you do [and] excel more.
[4] Christians increasingly look to the authority of God's Word to shape their judgments. The Bible is formative for sound judgments both great and small (from worldview to how we eat [c.f. 1 Cor. 10:31]).