Abound

This is my prayer that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God. 

Philippians 1:9-11 CEB

A few years ago before I had caller I.D., I answered a call from a stranger with a very sweet voice, who asked me; what is the best Christmas gift I have ever received. I quickly answered Jesus. She was delighted with my response, saying that every advent she goes through the telephone directory and cold calls people with that question and is always thrilled to hear Jesus as the answer.

The birth of Jesus was God’s loving gift to us. In the scripture from Philippians, Paul prays that we become stronger in our faith. Because as our faith grows, our love will abound as we manifest God’s love for us. We will manifest this love in the way we treat others; acting with compassion and mercy.

God is righteous but we can strive toward “the fruit of righteousness”.

Good and gracious God, thank you for your love. Help us to strive toward “the fruit of righteousness. Amen

Printed with permission from Bertha Larez