What’s love got to do with it? Well… everything really.
I had the honor of coaching one of my son’s baseball teams this past season. When they first started, they had so much to learn — how to swing at strikes (or just to swing at all really), how to run to first (and not third), and how to throw to your target. But with time, practice, and a lot of encouragement, they began to improve. Each time we played together, each moment spent practicing, was a step forward in their growth.
And you know what? I feel a lot like they did when it comes to love . . .
In Philippians 1:9-11, Paul says, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
These words have a special place in my heart because they remind me of my journey of learning to love.
Growing up, I didn’t have many examples of what it meant to love well. Love was often conditional and withheld. Love in many ways was just a word we’d say, not something we’d live out.
It wasn’t until I experienced the unconditional love of God and the genuine love of others that I began to understand just how powerful and life-changing it is.
As baseball has been with my boys, love has been with me. It’s taken time to develop. When I started this journey, my heart was inexperienced. I wouldn’t swing (aka love) when I should have and I’d run towards what I thought was love but wasn’t. But God, in His infinite patience, has been my coach. He has guided me, encouraged me, and patiently corrected my mistakes. His love is the constant support that has helped me grow in the very thing I undeservingly receive from Him.
So maybe this is why Paul’s prayer for the Philippians resonates deeply with me. By no means would I consider myself a “major leaguer” in the game of love, but as my love has grown, I’ve seen the fruits of love begin to blossom in my life. It’s a journey I’m still on, and I am grateful for every step of it because the more I experience God’s love, the more I want to share that love with others.
So, my friends, let’s continue this journey of growing in love together. Let’s help each other develop, be patient with each other, and celebrate each other’s growth. And through it all, may our love abound more and more, bringing glory and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nate Keating
Modern Worship & Creative Director