Paul began his letter to the Philippian church with thanksgiving and prayer. What struck me was how he held them in gratitude and prayer every time he remembered them (Philippians 1:3-5). This reveals the depth of his love for those he served alongside. 

It led me to reflect on my relationships within the universal church, especially those I have served with in ministry. 

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For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 LSB)

Paul held them in gratitude and prayer, fully persuaded of God’s character—that he who began a good work in them would bring it to completion. 

Applying this to my relationships, I see my own tension. I have hurt people, and I have been hurt as well. At some point, I have held others in quiet resentment. I have created distance to protect myself. 

But this passage confronts me: 

Do I trust God the same way Paul did? 

If we are all being sanctified—including myself—how should that shape the way I see others?  And how does God’s promise to complete His work move me to love people more faithfully?

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For it is only right for me to think this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers with me in this grace. (Philippians 1:7 LSB)

Paul spoke of how they remained in his heart, even in distance.  

He did not treat relationships as seasonal. Though separated, he continued to hold them in gratitude and prayer—especially as fellow partakers in the same mission.

This confronts me. 

I compartmentalize people according to seasons—moving schools, locations, and churches. If it’s time to move, it’s time to move. 

I have grown used to leaving people in the past. Some relationships faded through time; others, by choice. 

There is wisdom in discernment. But this passage presses a deeper question:

Though distant now, how do I continue to hold others in gratitude and prayer—especially those I have served with in the Gospel? Even with doctrinal differences between us?

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

Paul calls God as his witness to his deep affection for them—an affection shaped by Christ.

As Paul remembers them in prayer, his love reflects Christ’s love. This brings me back to Christ’s command in Gospel of John 15:12–17: to love one another as He has loved us.

How, then, am I loving others?
Is my love shaped by Christ or by convenience?

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Quite fitting that Paul followed this with a prayer that continues to speak to believers today.

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in full knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ, (Philippians 1:9-10 LSB)

It’s interesting that Paul primarily prayed for their love to abound. Love is not blind or sentimental. It is formed and guided by truth. As love grows in knowledge and discernment, we learn to approve what is excellent. We become sincere and blameless in how we live until the day of Christ.

having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11 LSB)

Having been filled, a passive voice — this is not something we produce on our own. We are filled through Christ. As He works in us, the fruit of righteousness becomes evident, bringing glory God. 

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Prayer: 

Dear Father, 

Cause my love for You and for others to abound more and more—in knowledge and discernment. Teach me to love as Christ did. Continue Your work in me, filling me with the fruit of righteousness through Him. May my life bring You glory.