“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:9-11, NLT).

Paul prayed for two things for the church. First, he prayed that their love would overflow more and more. This a continuing challenge for every believer. It isn’t the word for affection. They already have that for their friends. It is the love that desires the best for everyone, even our enemies. It sees the value in others, whether we have an affectionate relationship with them or not. It is a desire that our decisions will be made with love for others guiding our actions.

Second, he prayed that their knowledge and understanding would grow. This isn’t a theoretical knowledge. It is a knowledge based on our experience. I love pastries. A challenge of my diabetes is I can’t walk into a bakery without experiencing extreme temptation. The aroma and trays of pastries are almost too much for me. Recipes on the wall wouldn’t tempt me but pastries made according to those recipes will draw me in from the street. God wants His Church to be like a pastry shop with believers as those who have experienced Christ give off an aroma that draws others to Himself.

When we look at our decisions through our love for others and our experience of God we can discern what to do and make the best choices. That produces lives that touch others in the best way. Paul calls that the fruit of our righteousness (literally). When we believe in Jesus He calls us righteous and plants in us the seed of righteousness which will bear fruit. That is what will give us influence with others.

I love the phrase in The Message paraphrase that describes the result Paul is looking for. “Making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” Paul’s goal is that each believer grow in love and knowledge of God so we express what God is really like and lead others to experience His glory and His praise.