One of, if not the first variations of a classic worship song I ever learned was O Fill My Cup. I think most everyone in the Church is familiar with the altered music and addition of a first (and sometimes, last) verse to the other verses of Amazing Grace. Thinking about the words to that addition; what does it “O, fill my cup let it overflow, let it overflow with love” mean? In the context of the verses from Amazing Grace, the meaning seems to be asking God to fill us with awe at His saving grace for sinners. What are some of the ways we can be filled?
Filled with the love of God in Christ Jesus. It is little wonder that the alleged, “most well-known verse in the Bible” is considered to be John 3.16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” What if I live this way every moment of every day? What if I were to overflow this love of God upon others? What would that look like? It would look like me pouring out the words that needed to be heard so some soul could see a Savior. May we be overflowing with God’s love for mankind.
Filled with the love of brethren. Because of the “blood of Jesus”, “let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10.19, 24). Stir? Yes. This is not a request, but a command. On the morning of Judgment I worry about this question for so many- including myself. If God looks me in the eye and requires I give account of my “stirring up” of others- what shall I say? Am I even filled up to flowing over with good works, myself? May we be overflowing with love and good works enough to stir each other well.
Filled by the edification of others. Not everyday is a win. Not every night, does my head hit the pillow in victory over temptation. Those are the times when I need “iron [to sharpen] iron”. For each soul to find victory over sin takes another soul (metaphorically) holding their hand. “I couldn’t have done it without you”, is a phrase I would not be surprised to hear on that great getting up morning.
May we fill each other with the love of God in Christ Jesus.