Philippians 1:9-10 “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…”
Think those little grudges we bury toward people aren’t that significant? Bought into the lie that when Jesus commanded us to love other people, he exempted us from certain people? Beware! Refusing to love other people not only hardens our hearts, it also muddles our minds and poisons our perceptions.
I’ve been thinking about how different people can hear the same words and view the same actions, but come up with completely different perceptions. Do you know if we have a negative mindset toward someone, that negativity acts like a cloud cover over our discernment? That’s what the Apostle Paul says. He prayed the Philippians would abound in love so that they would be able to discern clearly. And he knew what he was talking about.
Further in the letter he writes about those who are preaching Christ out of envy and selfish ambition. They want to “stir up trouble” for him, but he refuses to condemn them (Philippians 1:15-16). Instead, he rejoices that Christ is being preached! Paul didn’t allow himself to get caught up in their petty insecurities. This Christ-follower loved, and because he loved, he could discern their motives without passing judgment. He set an example for them—and us—to emulate.
This plays out clearly on the national stage. I’m not trying to make a political statement—hatred knows no party affiliation—but some of the most outlandish statements about political leaders come, I believe, from those who seethe with hatred toward the other side. They don’t realize how they’ve allowed their anger to actually distort their perceptions. “Haters gonna’ hate” sings Taylor Swift, but they’re going to hate even more because they refuse to consider any viewpoint but their own.
On a more personal level, some of us have experienced being the brunt of someone’s hatred. It doesn’t feel good, but if we hope to remain faithful to the gospel, we have to ask Jesus for help in choosing love. Never entertain the spirit of offense, not even for a moment. Forgive. Let the Lord deepen your capacity for his great love so you can discern the truth.
Let love help you see.