< Back

Read: Philippians 1:10
Listen: Philippians 1

As Paul writes to the believers in Philippi, he calls out a specific relational conflict in the church. Two women aren’t getting along. They love Jesus and Paul, but struggle to love each other (Philippians 4). What is true for them is true for the whole community—they find it hard to put others first, as Christ modeled. His prayer is that they would have insight and knowledge to discern what is best. He knows that loving difficult people well doesn’t come naturally. He also recognizes that conflict within the church community is a clear threat to unity. Paul prays that God would give them discernment to know how to love each other well.

Like them, we know how confusing and challenging relationships can be. Sometimes we don’t know how to love in ways that actually help. Should we listen or speak? Offer practical help or urge someone to take a step? Whether it’s a struggling marriage, a wandering child, or someone who gets on our nerves, we don’t always know what loving well looks like. Every challenging relationship is an invitation to pray. We can ask God for the wisdom and discernment to know what each situation needs—because only he can show us how to love the way he loves.

PRAYER DAY #30: Think of one difficult relationship in your life and pray for insightful love. Use Paul’s prayer as a guide. “Father, help me discern what is best in this situation that I may be pure and blameless before you.” Thank God that he is present with you in your relationships.