“A wise man will hear and increase learning.” Prov.1:5
Philippians 1:9-11 tells us that as our love abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, we will be able to discern what is best, and be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus. What is meant by ‘the fruit of righteousness’? Is. 32:17 tells us, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
~~~ Love, knowledge, insight, distinguishing God’s best plus being filled with peace, quietness and confidence during this life and forevermore…who wouldn’t want more of these?
Throughout Scripture, God appears to be sharing with us that as our capacity for understanding our Lord and His ways increases, our capacity to understand others in our lives also increases.
Let’s illustrate and put this concept in context of a typical stereotypic marriage relationship:
We have a wife who’s ‘a talker’, and her husband has very little capacity to listen to her (especially at the end of a busy day). As this husband grows in his relationship with the Lord, he will grow in his love for his wife, and he will actually grow in his capacity to care about the things that concern her. Now, he may never match her capacity in this area, but his capacity grows.(And hopefully she too begins to understand his 'lesser capacity' in this area and out of love for him make adjustments in herself.)
Likewise, let’s say we have a husband who desires more physical intimacy than his wife. As his wife grows in her relationship with the Lord, she will grow in her capacity to truly care about the needs and desires of her man. Now, she may never match his capacity for intimacy, but her capacity grows. (And hopefully he will begin to understand her lesser capacity in this area and out of love for her, make adjustments in himself.)
As our love relationship with the Lord grows, regardless of what other relationships involved do or don’t do, all benefit. (And it works with all our relationships…kids, family, friends, and even enemies. Try it!)
God bless you this week,
Shaun and Betsy
