With The Heart Of Christ

With the Heart of Christ

Introduction: The Visceral Meaning of "Affection" In Philippians 1:8, the Apostle Paul confesses his deep bond with the believers: “God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” The original Greek word for "affection" is splagchna, which literally refers to one’s internal organs or "bowels." This is why the King James Version (KJV) traditionally renders this verse as: “I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.”

In the biblical context, these terms refer to the deepest part of a human being—the seat of our most instinctive and visceral emotions. It describes a love that is felt deep within one's physical being. We see this same root in Matthew 9:36: “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.” The word for "compassion" here is splagchnizomai, meaning to feel a pain so sharp it moves one’s very entrails. Jesus felt a "gut-wrenching" sorrow for the lost sheep. Because He calls us to join in His mission, He seeks workers who share this same "heart"—those who feel a deep, visceral compassion for others.

1. Who did Paul love with the Heart of Christ?

Paul emphasizes his love for "all of you". This phrase is repeated four times between Philippians 1:1 and 1:8:

v. 1: "To all the saints... at Philippi".

v. 4: "In all my prayers for all of you".

v. 7: "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you".

v. 8: "How I long for all of you".

This indicates that Paul did not just love the church as a vague collective; he loved every single person individually and personally. This reflects the heart of the Good Shepherd, who knows each sheep by name and cares for their specific condition. Just as a parent does not "divide" their love among children but gives their whole heart to each one, Jesus died on the cross for every individual. Paul mirrored this, telling the Ephesian elders that he never stopped warning "each one" with tears (Acts 20:31) and the Thessalonians that he encouraged "each one" as a father deals with his own children (1 Thess 2:11).

2. The Deep Meaning of "Longing"

The word "long" or "yearn" (epipotheo) transcends mere nostalgia or simple emotion. It is the same word used in the Greek translation of Psalm 42:1: "As the deer pants for streams of water...". Paul longed for the believers with the same desperation that a thirsty deer seeks water.

This longing includes a readiness for sacrifice. Paul told the Thessalonians, "We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well" (1 Thess 2:8). In Philippians 2:17, he even expresses joy at the idea of his own life being "poured out like a drink offering" for their faith.

3. Love Must Be Expressed

Paul calls God as his witness to emphasize the sincerity of his love. We often think love can remain a silent feeling, but love requires expression.

In our relationship with God: Though God knows our needs before we speak, we pray because prayer is an expression of love and vital fellowship.

In our relationships with others: Paul wrote letters and sent coworkers to express his heart because love that is not expressed can eventually weaken. Without expression, relationships can become numb or indifferent.

When the Lord commands us to "love one another," He is not just commanding a feeling, but an active expression of that love in our lives. Even in close relationships where we might take love for granted, expression is vital. As we receive love from God and overflow it toward others through words and actions, our communities experience true healing, peace, and fellowship. May we all embrace the heart of Christ and express that love more deeply and actively in our churches and families.