Let Your Love Abound

"This is what I continue praying, that your love may about still more and more." - PHILIPPIANS 1:9.

WHEN the apostle Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy arrived in the Roman colony of Philippi, they found many  people who were interested in the Kingdom message.  These found zealous brothers helped form a congregation, and all the disciples began meeting together, likely at the home of a hospitable believer named Lydia - ACTS 16:40.

The young congregation soon faces a challenge.  Satan stirred up enemies of the truth who fiercely opposed the preaching activity of these loyal Christians.  Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten with rods, and imprisoned.  After they were released  from prison, they visited the new disciples and encouraged them.  Then Paul, Silas, and Timothy left the city while Luke apparently remained there.  How did the newly formed congregation fare?  With the help of Jehovah's spirit, the new  believers forged ahead in Jehovah's service.  (Philippians 2: 12)  Paul had every reason to be proud of them!

Some ten years later, Paul write a letter to the congregation in Philippi. As you read that letter, you can easily discern the love that Paul had for his brothers.  "I am longing for all of you with such tender affection as Christ Jesus has,"  he wrote.  (Philippians 1:8)  He wrote them that he prayed in their behalf. He asked Jehovah to help them abound in love,to make sure  of the more important things, to be flawless, to avoid stumbling others, and to continue bearing righteous fruit.  No doubt you will agree that we can benefit from Paul's heartfelt words today.  So  let us read what Paul wrote to the Philippians.  (Read Philippians 1:9-11)   We will then consider the points he mentioned and discuss how we can apply each of them. 

Next time:  Let Your Love Abound -ABOUND IN LOVE

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