“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight ...” Philippians 1:9 (NIV)

When our four children were young, they bought me Father’s Day presents. I’d get the standard tie or even the dreaded “soap on a rope.” To add insult to injury, they used my money to purchase the gifts.

One year, I said to them, “What I really, really would like more than anything is a handwritten note from you on how you are doing and how you feel about our relationship.” This year, my oldest child turns 40, and I still receive notes from all my children and grandchildren too.

Today, I don’t have any of the ties they gave me, and I never used the soap on a rope (I think I regifted them). But I have every single letter they’ve given me, and they bring me pure joy. My children helped me know what mattered most to them individually and how to show each of them love in unique ways.

I didn’t and don’t always get it right, but the Apostle Paul’s prayer to the Philippians inspires me to keep finding ways to show love to my family. Paul wrote, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9).

The singular focus of Paul’s prayer was that the people of Philippi would learn how to love. When we learn to love people better, not only does their joy increase, but so does ours. The word “abound” means “more than enough.” Paul wanted the Philippians to have so much love inside them that they would have no place to store it and no choice but to let it spill out to others.

If the Apostle Paul got it right, my children’s letters also bring them joy. To know that they’re in a unique position of intimacy with me and that, through their depth of insight about me, they can craft a few words that elevate my joy meter — well, that is a source of joy for them, for sure.

Here is your Joy Challenge today, friend: Write a letter to a family member or close friend who could use encouragement. Speak joy into their life by writing down things you’ve seen in them that make them special. Call out a specific way they’ve made a difference in your life or the lives of others. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. You can text, email or snail mail it to them, or put it somewhere they’ll find it. Maybe even sit down with them to read the letter out loud. Then ask two questions: Did it bring them joy? Did it bring you joy?

May we be known for our deep, sincere, heartfelt love for others, and may our joy increase because of it.

Dear God, grant me a heart of abundant love and joy. Teach me to love others in the ways You love. Thank You for those who love me well and for loving Your children enough to send Jesus to earth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

For a practical guide to discovering the freedom of a deeply joyful life, grab a copy of Randy Frazee’s book, The Joy Challenge: Discover the Ancient Secret to Experiencing Worry-Defeating, Circumstance-Defying Happiness.

ENGAGE

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (NIV).

1 Peter 1:22, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” (NIV).

What has someone important in your life taught you about loving well? How does loving someone bring joy to both people involved?

© 2024 by Randy Frazee. All rights reserved.

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