Years ago, in the middle of the night, the Spirit of the Lord awakened me with Philippians 1:9-11. Neither knowing what nor why in regard to this particular Scripture (and having learned via the writing of Kenneth E. Hagin to keep pen and paper bedside), I scribbled it so that I’d remember to read it in the morning. In so doing, it became clear that the focus was love; and the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds us of all things Jesus (John 14:26), helped me to understand such that I could immediately personalize a modification of the Amplified Bible’s version in prayer: “Father, may my love abound more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that my love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment]. So that I may surely grasp what is vital and of real value; that I may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ Jesus’ return [neither stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. And that as a branch in the Vine who is Jesus, I bear much fruit to the honor, praise and glory of You, with thanksgiving in Jesus’ Name.”

The importance or significance thereof is its direct relation to faith because love is the operative power of faith. To say it another way, every manifestation by God’s power through us is by faith which works by love (Galatians 5:6). It is why the Lord Jesus gave the new command to: “Love each other” John 13:34-35 & 15:17 (NIV). Oh! The compassionate love of Jesus the Anointed One, sent of Love who is God (1 John 4:16). The Lord Jesus exemplified the compassionate love of Abba Father throughout His three year ministry on earth (Matthew 8:2-3, 9:36, 14:14, 15:32) – to The Passion of The Christ (Luke 23:34; John 17:1-26)  – to the descent wherein He taught or preached and took back the keys of death and Hades (1 Peter 3:19-20; Revelation 1:18) – to the ascent whereof Abba Father raised Him up from amongst the dead and seated Him at His own right hand, far above all principalities, and powers, and might, and dominion, with the Name all names (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:17; Ephesians 1:20-22) – to continuing to advocate for us even now (1Jn 2:1). May we continually endeavor toward evidence of the fruit of the recreated spirit which begins with love, that brings glory and praise to Abba Father (Galatians 5:22; Philippians 1:11).