In Mark 12, verses 30 and 31 we read about a conversation Jesus had with one of the scribes. Jesus told him that the principal commandment was to love God and secondly, we should love our neighbour as ourselves. We have all probably read those words many times. The apostle John reminds us of this in his epistle (1 John 3:23; 4:7, 20). However, I find it interesting that the apostle Paul encourages us to not just love others but to excel in this, “And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more” (Phil 1:9; NKJV). The word translated “abound” has the meaning of, “superabound, excess, greatly surpass, excel.” The word for love is “agape” the unconditional, unselfish love of God. Then in addressing the Thessalonians Paul tells them to, “increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and all people” (1 Thess 3:12; AMPC). He reiterates it in the next chapter, telling them again to increase more and more in loving others (1 Thess 4:10). The apostle Peter also encourages this excellence in love, “Above all things have fervent love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8; NKJV). You may be thinking this is too hard and of course it is in our own ability, but we can call on the Holy Spirit to help us. Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and he will grow God’s love in us if we allow him to. Remember, Jesus said when you excel in love for, “one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matt 25:40; NKJV).