“I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment.” Philippians 1:9.
Love without discernment-
– love that doesn’t have any thought behind it,
– is not really love.
Parents who show love to their children by overindulging and refusing to discipline are really hurting them in the long run.
The guy who asks his girlfriend to prove her love by having sex with him is using her, not loving her.
A person who isn’t truthful with someone for fear of losing a friendship is not acting as a true friend.
Love has to be discerning.
It has to include an awareness of what God wants.
It has to seek the best for others.
Is it possible to love like that?
How can you tell the difference between-
– sentimental love and
– genuine love?
Only by letting God help you.
He will tell you when to be gentle with someone and when to be firm.
The Holy Spirit will help you know-
– when to get involved in someone’s problems
– and when to leave them alone.
He will show you how to give without asking for something in return.
When you love others this way-
– you’re loving them the way Christ loves them.
So seek to be blameless in all your relationships.
This means guarding your thoughts, your words, and your actions to make sure you have the other person’s best interests at heart.
Ask God to teach you how to love people with discernment-
– to treat them with a love that comes only from him.