Love Much and Love Well

“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6).  

The “good work” Paul was referring to in his letter to the brethren in Philippi, was “partnership in the gospel” (verse 4). They were working together sharing the good news of the gospel. Because of this partnership, Paul told them whenever he thought of them he gave glory and praise to God.

     Reading this passage gives me pause to thank God for the many partnerships I’m involved with. My good marriage is the result of a good partnership – with Cheryl and me working toward the same goals. The ministry we do here in Christ Fellowship Church is the result of many people working together – in partnership – to make an impact in our church family and community. And the mission we are involved in is the direct result of our partnering with other ministry leaders around the globe, and with God in sharing his love with others.

     I’m also blessed to represent CFC in partnership with the denomination’s International team as we work together to share the Gospel around the world. And I’m blessed to work in partnership with our Church Administration team to encourage and support pastors and leadership teams around the region.

     But the best partnership of all – a partnership each and every one of us is a part of – is our partnership with Jesus in his grace, (see verse 7). The free grace that Jesus gives us reminds us that he was and is willing to share of himself with us and make us partners in his glory.

      Because we are partners in his glory – as a result of living in his grace – we know we are never alone in what God has called us to do. He never asks us to reach out to someone he hasn’t already reached out to. He never asks us to partner with someone he hasn’t already partnered with. And he never asks us to love someone he doesn’t already love.

     Paul sums up this partnership this way: “So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well” (1 Phil 1:10, MSG). Like Paul, it is my constant prayer that we partner with each other and with God by loving much and loving well.