Now this I pray, that your love might overflow still more and more in knowledge and depth of discernment, in order to approve what is excellent—so that in the Day of Messiah you may be sincere and blameless . . . Philippians 1:9-10, TLV

I refer to this passage a lot. This is a balanced and wise approach to love. For the past few months I have focused on the importance of love. How we are to respond in love when others behave badly.

But we have also discussed boundaries. Boundaries are a contemporary approach to this passage.

Employing the tools of wisdom — knowledge and discernment — with expressions of love means we don’t accept the sin. We understand that we must forgive, as our Father forgives us.

Our pursuit of reconciliation may mean pulling away from someone because continued contact is harmful to us or our loved ones — maybe even to them.

Sifting

Sometimes God must sift a soul (Luke 22). Allow them to experience the full weight of their sinful heart in order for them to be set free. We cannot interfere with that process with an uninformed expression of love.

Like Peter’s betrayal and Paul’s persecution of the believers, we may need to love from afar via forgiveness and prayer.

Love with knowledge and discernment so that we aren’t guilty of interfering with God’s purpose and will. And should the day arrive that reconciliation is possible, we’ll be ready.

Even with love, wisdom is important.