The Heart of The Matter

            The  love  Paul  had  for  the  church  of  our   Lord  was a great, outstanding, and an unquestionable love. He wrote to the church at Philippi and said, “I have you in my heart.”  (Phil.1:7). This great apostle of Christ is a good example in just about every Christian quality one may mention. He said in the next verse, “How I long after you all in the bowels (tender mercies) of Jesus Christ.” (Phil.1:8). His love was so great and true that he makes an unusual statement that reveals the true character of his care and love. “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Rom.9:1-3). One thing for sure, Paul was not some off-and-on type person. His love was constant, and increasing! As the brethren at Philippi continued to show their love for Paul  and  the  way  of  righteousness, undoubtedly his love for the church there increased.

            Paul  knew  love, like  faith, without works or proof is void. This man of God found himself praying for them without ceasing. You see, we are not only to pray for our enemies (Matt.5:44), but those whom we love. This Paul found joy and satisfaction in praying for the church at Philippi. He knew of their love and work for Christ, and he had confidence in their continued faithfulness to truth. There was the willingness the church at Philippi  had  to give assistance, in spite of the fact that they lacked opportunity to do so. (Phil.1:10).

            Love  will  respond, and the church at  Philippi gives  proof  of  the  evidence. Their fellowship with the apostle was the giving of material necessities which  is a  part  of caring as a Christ-like  people.  In  fact  Paul  said  of  them that  “no  church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” (Phil.4:15). It would do us well today at  the  congregation  we  attend  to follow such an example!  Paul  was often  found  suffering for the cause of Christ, and the church showed sympathy toward him. Such was their care for Paul when he was in prison. They sent a messenger all the way from Philippi to Rome with money and provisions for this servant.  What an expression of love.

            The thing for each one to consider; what of our love? Do I love the lost? Not if I do not  respond to their spiritual need. Do  I  love  the  unfaithful? Not if there is not a response on my part to get them to repent and return. Do I love the church?  Not if I speak of her and the works of good being done in a negative way to those of whom I associate. May we be obedient to that “form of doctrine”. (Rom.6:17).

. . . . Fred  House