Through the years, Christians have developed various slogans that define who we are. Our distinctiveness. Our aim. Our rallying cry.
“We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where the Bible is silent.”
“No creed but Christ; no book but the Bible.”
“A People of the Book.”
“In Christ alone.”
Generally, these emphasize the importance of following the Bible and exalting Christ as our standard of authority in all matters religious.
In more recent years, churches and preachers have often employed more specific themes that speak to local needs, practical Christian living, and personal application.
Over the last 25 years of full-time, located ministry, I worked with churches that used yearly themes. Although my ministry over the past 7 years has become more itinerant, I have used a theme for my preaching and blogging.
“Love More. Give More” is our theme for 2026.
The impetus for this theme is based on Philippians 1:9-11
“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.”
Here are three introductory thoughts for your contemplation.
#1 Our love can grow.
Paul’s prayer for the Philippian brethren to grow spiritually and become mature Christians begins with and is based on love. Abounding love. Abundant love. Lavish love. The Message, a modern speech paraphrase, renders this phrase with this vivid exhortation:
“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately.”
The Greek word translated “abound” means to excel. To increase. Even to overflow. Thayer says it means “to furnish one richly so that he has abundance.”
God doesn’t want our love to remain static or stagnate. A flourishing love is nurtured and nourished. Like a beautiful flower garden, it is watered, fertilized, and tended, and our love, when cultivated, blossoms into a Divine radiance that glorifies God and blesses others.
Love grows in its depth and breadth. In its communion with the Divine Three. In its fellowship with those of like faith. In its care and concern for our friends, neighbors, and family.
#2 Giving is a natural Outgrowth of love.
To love is to give. Of course, this begins with self. When the apostle Paul first wrote about the ministry of Macedonian brethren, he said in 1 Corinthians 8:5 that “the first gave themselves to the Lord.”
We talk about giving our heart to someone. Often this is in a romantic relationship. When we give ourselves to others, we provide our time and our attention unselfishly. We sacrifice. We risk being vulnerable. Thus, love goes beyond words but is demonstrated in attitudes and actions.
Similarly, to love God is to give Him our best. Giving is reflected in our trust, our obedience, our affections, our daily surrender to His will and His Word.
#3 Loving More and Giving More is a Decision.
This love, which is Bible-based, rises above feelings or infatuation. It’s not superficial. Whimsical. Fickle. Or conditional. It is a choice.
Loving God is a command, but it’s also a choice (Matt. 22:37). Loving others is a command, but it’s also a choice. Matt 22:39). Loving our brethren is a command, but it is a choice (Heb. 13:1).
It is an act of the will to decide to love, as well as to give. Giving our time, talents, and resources is a practical outgrowth of the depth of our love.
Love More. Give More. It’s a simple slogan. But has profound implications and practical applications.
By the way, maybe that’s a good New Year’s Resolution for you in 2026. Love More. Give More.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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