stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:7a, 8)

As expressed in earlier verses, Paul believed he was justified to feel confidence, thankfulness, and joy.  He says, “Since I have you in my heart.”  What does this mean?  Paul wasn’t merely thankful for their generous gift. They had become endeared to him, and he had a sincere emotional and spiritual attachment.  He loved them! This is natural as we grow in fellowship with other believers.  We begin to see them for who they are in Christ, which may differ from how we saw them before Christ – in their sin, hopelessness, annoyance, etc.  They were now family in the Lord.  God binds the hearts and lives of believers together because they are involved in eternal and not just temporal matters.  They are investing their time and energy in things that won’t fade.  

Those bonded in Christ will overcome whatever obstacles threaten their relationship.  That’s what love does! We have Christ’s forgiveness, grace, mercy, compassion, and more as tools to build relationships.  Although Paul was imprisoned, the Philippian church didn’t let that stop them from ministering to him.  Paul, in turn, didn’t let prison stop him from writing his epistle to them. Believers will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect unity and fellowship!  For Christians, to have someone in their heart means more than reciting empty words. It means delivering generous and loving actions! It’s sad when more minor trivial matters separate believers! Those we have in our hearts won’t easily be torn from us. 

In verse 8, Paul called God to the witness stand to testify of his affection for the Philippians.  How serious Paul was about being of one heart with the Philippians believers!  God saw Paul’s heart, and Paul knew He could authenticate his love for them.  Paul said he “longed” for them with the “affection” of Christ Jesus.  He said his feelings weren’t fleeting and merely an emotional response to their partnership.  He has the same love Christ does for them.  He desired their relationship the same way Jesus would.  How wonderful this must have been for the Philippians to hear!  May God knit our hearts to fellow believers in this way as we love them with the sincerity of Christ!

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Do you have fellow believers with whom you are one in heart?  What hinders this from forming?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Ask God to give you a heart like His for fellow believers.  Allow His Holy Spirit to show you what is keeping you from the heart, longing, and affection Paul had in Philippians 1:6.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• To whom do you need to communicate your heart in your local church?  Write out 3-5 reasons you have the heart of Christ for them and share it with them over lunch or coffee.  Pray with them about unity in gospel partnership.