Recently reading Paul’s letter to Christians at Philippi, I was struck by something he expressed in the first chapter. It is clear in his introduction, the relationship he had with these fellow believers was a close one. Reading verses three through eleven makes that clearly evident. Despite his imprisonment (Philippians 1:13), he wanted to encourage them and keep them aware of his love and thankfulness for the relationship they shared. They were held dearly in Paul’s heart.
It is verse eight which struck me at this reading as Paul expressed. . .
“(8) For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:8 ESV)
The feeling was strong. Paul had a yearning or a longing for them and that went deep as he noted it as being “with the affection of Christ Jesus.” As I read that, I stopped to ask myself what that meant. What does it mean to yearn for other believers “with the affection of Christ Jesus”? First of all, let us understand the word translated “affection” is from “splanchna” which literally refers to “the bowels”. In W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, he notes the Greeks regarded the bowels “as the seat of the more violent passions”, which may cause us to think of experiencing a gut feeling; something deep. He also noted the bowels were considered by “the Hebrews as the seat of the tender affections; hence the word denotes “tender mercies” and is rendered “affections”.”
As I pondered what it would mean to be drawn to others “with the affection of Christ Jesus”, the first thing which came to mind was His desire for oneness; a oneness with Him and therefore with one another. The second thing which came to mind was Jesus’ desire for healing, but not merely physical healing, but rather spiritual wholeness in the relationship. Therefore, for me to yearn for others from deep within me “with the affection of Christ Jesus” is to set myself aside as Christ did in order to meet the greatest need (or needs) of others to the glory of the Father.
Having shared how I was drawn to prayerfully consider such being associated with my life, I asked those in our morning Bible study this past Sunday what came to mind regarding Christ’s affections. What they helped me list were: a focus on the cross, the reality of Him giving His all, His mercy, His compassion for others demonstrated even in the setting aside of His own needs of the moment, His self-sacrifice, His giving and how that is to transcend our life to others, His intensity of love, and His focus on healing in bringing health and wholeness to lives.
In his letter to Christians at Ephesus, Paul urged. . .
“(1) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)
Give some prayerful thought to the development of loving and longing “with the affection of Christ Jesus.” As we have been loved so deeply, may we learn to love as well for the good of others and the glory of God!
Have a great day LEARNING TO YEARN MORE WITH THE AFFECTION OF CHRIST JESUS!
Carl
