These folks were not lacking in love. In fact, they loved “all the saints”. That in itself is quite an accomplishment! That was the report Paul had heard about them, and for which he commends them. He gives them 10 out of 10 for fulfilling the command of Jesus “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12. Jesus also said that their love for each other would be the ‘hall mark’ of their discipleship. John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.” It sounds like they’ve made it!
But hold on! After Paul expresses his thanks for them and commends them for their love, he says that he is praying for them continually. His message here is; “it’s great that you love everybody, praise the Lord for that, but there’s more to go, and I am praying that in addition to the love you have, other great spiritual blessings will take place in your lives.
As I looked at Paul’s prayer list for them, I began to pray it for myself. Yes, by God’s abounding grace, He has put His love in our hearts; but Paul’s prayer shows us there is more. As we love one another let’s pray too that we may have wisdom and understanding in knowing God better, and that we’ll see through spiritual eyes. May we see clearly His calling on our lives and live in the power of our spiritual riches. It is these ‘extras’ that will cause the love we already have, to flow in ‘exceeding great power’ through our lives.
Be blessed with love and all the extras!
Eddie.