There are a lot of emotions in the Bible. As a guy, sometimes it is hard for me to relate because men are not known for being able to express themselves very well. This is especially true of today’s verse. Paul talks about loving, longing, and compassion. The word used for “tender compassion” is the same word used for bowels. I guess Paul felt such deep compassion for these people he felt it in his bowels. Gross. However, once your heart and soul are knit to another person, you get it. For those who have seen me at conferences or conventions without my wife know how lost I am without her. I’m miserable. I’m lonely. I’m lost. It is this type of relationship that Paul had with the church in Philippi. Let’s not miss the source of this compassion: Jesus Christ. At one point in his life, Jesus was praying for his disciples with such care and concern that he sweat blood. He would then go on to die for his friends. That’s intense. That’s emotion. That’s manly.
Philippians 1:8: “God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.”
#MinuteWithMaxon #MWM #Philippians
Scott Maxon 