Understanding

Today our theme is something we all need a little more of — understanding.

In Philippians 1:9 (NLT), Paul says, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.”

Isn’t that beautiful? Understanding isn’t just knowing facts — it’s learning what really matters. And some days, well… we’re learning on the go, aren’t we? And apologizing along the way.

We’ll spend this time finding joy, grace, and a little humor in the journey of growing in understanding.

So, today’s theme is understanding… which is funny because sometimes I literally sit there listening to someone talk to me, and I’m just not understanding what they’re explaining. I’m sure my facial expression gives away my confusion. Some days it feels like my comprehension is just turned off.

But that’s the thing about understanding — we’re all learning every day. And God isn’t asking us to have everything figured out. He just invites us to grow in wisdom, little by little, moment by moment.

Even if it means someone has to draw a diagram for us to finally get it.

Here’s to learning with grace today.

I love what Paul says in Philippians 1:10 (NLT): “For I want you to understand what really matters.”

There’s so much noise in our world — rushing, comparing, worrying, overthinking. But God gently reminds us that what really matters is love, kindness, patience, and the way we treat one another.

Understanding isn’t about being perfect. It’s about letting God shape our hearts so we see things through His eyes. And honestly? That’s the kind of understanding that brings peace and grace.

I came across a quote that said, “Be curious, not furious.” And I thought — that’s exactly what understanding looks like.

Before we react, we pause.

Before we judge, we breathe.

Before we assume, we ask.

Understanding turns frustration into compassion. And Philippians 1 reminds us that as our love grows, so does our understanding.

What a peaceful way to move through a busy world.

Understanding — not the kind that requires a college textbook, just the gentle, everyday wisdom God grows in us.

Philippians 1 says that God wants us to overflow with knowledge and understanding… which sounds like a pretty good way to start the morning.

Understanding shows up beautifully in everyday life — a neighbor helping without being asked, someone holding the door a little longer, a person giving grace even when they’re tired.

These small moments are reminders of God’s heart in action.

Philippians 1:11 (NLT) talks about living a life “filled with the fruit of your salvation.”

And part of that fruit is understanding — the kind that shines quietly, kindly, and faithfully in the world around us.

You ever try to understand something that just makes no sense at all?

Like how you always end up with more Tupperware lids than containers… even though you bought them as a set. Or how your phone battery drops from 40% to 2% in five minutes.

Life is full of mysteries.

But the good news is that spiritual understanding — the kind Paul talks about — doesn’t depend on figuring out the mysteries of dryers or phones or lids. It’s about letting God guide the small choices: our words, our reactions, our attitudes.

And that’s the kind of understanding that brings joy even when the containers go missing.

Here’s to laughing through the mysteries of life.

Philippians 1:9 (NLT) says, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more.”

That’s the foundation of understanding — love.

This love is the patient, thoughtful, steady kind that comes from the heart of God.

When love leads, understanding follows.When love leads, misunderstandings shrink.When love leads, we see people the way God sees them.

If you want more understanding today, let your love overflow. God grows the rest.

Such a simple truth to rest in today — understanding comes from love.

Philippians 1 reminds us that God doesn’t just want us to have knowledge — He wants us to have wisdom that comes from love.

That kind of understanding makes mornings calmer, days brighter, and life sweeter.

We know that some mornings need a little more understanding than others — especially when you walk outside and see that the neighborhood dog chose your trash can to destroy that morning.

Let’s take a moment to pray as we seek some understanding from the Lord.

God, thank You for the gift of understanding. Help us see people with compassion, respond with patience, and love with Your heart. Grow in us the wisdom to understand what really matters. Let our love overflow today and reflect who You are. Thank You for the provision of this understanding as we go about our day. Amen.

Philippians 1:10 (NLT): “I want you to understand what really matters.”

What matters today isn’t perfection, productivity, or having everything figured out.

What matters is love.

What matters is grace.

What matters is a heart turned toward God.

And as your love overflows, your understanding will grow right alongside it.

Carry that truth with you today.

May you be filled with grace, patience, and a deeper understanding of God’s love. Walk in peace and shine with joy.