By Nancy Virden (c)2024

Paul explained in his letter to the Philippian Church, how to show love in a way they really improves things for a person in pain.

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

Philippians 1:9-11 niv

Love can be imagined as a tree that produces fruit- good deeds of love for God and others. It is planted in the soil of knowledge- where the seed of love takes life.

This tree goes deep, as it is rooted in insight. Insight holds love in place and provides sustenance for steady growth. Without insight, the tree planted in the soil of knowledge will fall over and wither.

Choosing to love with meaningful action becomes more effective when we know the person.  Knowledge such as who this person is, what is wrong, and do I have what is needed to help is a beneficial place to begin. We can ask these questions.

Insight takes more time and focus. Finding out who is this person is emotionally, spiritually, and perhaps physically will lead to answers such as what is specifically needed at this time, and what can I do that will meet a need.

Discernment means knowing what is fitting. Knowledge and growing insight into a person and their situation combine with knowing and understanding ourselves and our situation. This gives us the ability to make excellent decisions.  Knowledge and insight will enhance our efforts at producing the kind of help that is timely, necessary, and does not overwhelm us.

The fruit of that love then is righteous because it is not harmful, is effective, meaningful, and will make a positive difference to God’s glory.

Knowledge tends to stay on the surface. Roots of insight go deep.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Corinthians 8:1

We all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up while love builds up…

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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