Philippians 1:9-11

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.

I have had this passage underlined in my Bible for years. I believe I even inscribed the reference on a bracelet for my sister as a bridesmaid gift for my wedding. I've always loved this prayer of the Apostle Paul's; it's poetic, and--I think--a solid example of how to pray for those I'm mentoring. 

But today, I decided to not just gloss over it and smile warmly at the words. I thought to myself, "Hm, maybe I should study this a little?"

So here are my thoughts: 

The word "abound". What does that mean? To Grow? To Increase? 

"Abound" –verb (used without object)

1. to occur or exist in great quantities: a stream in which trout abound.

2. to be rich or well supplied (usually fol. by in ): The region abounds in coal.

3. to be filled; teem (usually fol. by with ): The ship abounds with rats.

I guess definition #2 works best, as "abound" is followed by the word "in" in the verse. 

So, Paul's prayer is that our love is "rich and well supplied" 

in knowledge and insight. 

Um, what does that mean? 

My love should be rich in knowledge (of what? Christ?) and depth of insight (into Christ? Scripture? People?) so that I can have discernment (makes sense) and be pure and blameless (makes sense). Is it that as I increase in knowledge of Christ and insight into His teachings that my love for Christ will grow, and will produce in me discernment and purity? Is it that Christ fills me with fruit as I abound in love and knowledge of Him--all for God's glory? 

It's amazing to me that I can "love" a passage of Scripture ... and really have no idea what it means. :) I will be meditating on this for a while, I think.