“So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in dlovedefending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 1:7-8, NLT

Paul and Timothy loved these followers of Christ! They were a huge part of their hearts. So Paul and Timothy stood with these people, even from a jail cell.
Their lives were intertwined.
They were especially united in Spirit as they experienced the generous favor of God. The very special favor of God!
What really stands out here is God knows how much we love our friends, family, and brothers and sisters in Christ! He intimately knows the love I have for each of these people. And He knows how desperately I want all of them to enter a rich relationship with our Most High God through His Son Jesus Christ – our Savior and King!
As I face this desperation, I know that He can save anyone! And once we are His, that cannot be taken away. I am going to celebrate the favor God has for each of His sons and daughters.
Faith comes by hearing. Jesus Christ carried our sins, took on our punishment (because of our sins), died the death meant for us, and rose on the third day to give us brand new life.
Even if my loved ones aren’t walking with Jesus (or we wane in our reliance on Him), there is hope that one day we all can come to Him – completely surrendering to Him. And as we pray, let us stay faithful to being a light to a dark world – sharing about Jesus for all to hear and see.
Whenever we put energy and effort into others to have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, it leaves a definite impact on our souls. Paul had a love for these people, because of how he emptied himself into the lives of others. So I can relate on a smaller scale to this love he felt for the Philippians.
Question of the Day: Think about one person you can pray for and encourage to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you end up not being able to step out of your comfort zone, you can pray passionately for them. The Lord can move many mountains to draw others to Him!