1:8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

The word translated here "affection" is actually the Greek word for guts (intestines). This word is used to communicate the great depth and intensity of the longing that Christ has and Paul shares toward the Philippians. He is talking about something felt at the very core of one’s being.

Two things pierce my soul as I reflect upon this verse (the word of God is, after all, the sword of the Spirit). First, it reveals the shallowness of my love. Who could I say this about? Who do I long for with the affection of Christ Jesus? I’m ashamed to say (and I grieve as I say it) that I’m not sure I could honestly say that even about my own wife and children. Sure I love them. But with this kind of love? I just don’t know. It is no wonder I’m so thoughtless and insensitive to people: I don’t have this kind of love for them. But I do know where to get it. It doesn’t come from me, that’s for sure! How I need to seek Him! How I need to cry out to Him for help! I will go to Jesus, He can give me this kind of love! He is my only hope.

Secondly, this verse convicts me about how hard it is for me to express love to others. Paul not only had this love for others, he also told them about his love for them, not just here but throughout his letters. Indeed, a study in Paul’s expressions of affection toward his friends would bring shame to most Christian men (and probably women too!). It has brought shame to me many times. Paul is not too proud to confess his affection for his fellow believers.

Lord, You alone can make a man love like this. It is because of Your great affection for Your people that Your people can have affection for each other. I tend to look at people in terms of what they can do for me. You call me to look at them longing for them to become all they can be in Christ Jesus. Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. And help me. Help me to be inflamed with Your love for people. Give me the burning passion of Christ’s heart for Your beloved children. Move me by Your Spirit to desire their wholeness and happiness in Your Son.