Phil. 1:7-8 

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Again Paul tells the Christ followers at this church in Philippi that they are on his mind and in his heart.  He not only thanks God for them, but his affection toward them is obvious.   I believe the attitude and disposition they had toward one another as leader and people was one of mutual love.    Paul was a strong leader, and in spite of the differences I’m sure they had at times – or maybe even conflicts in personalities or ideas – they looked past those things and stood together in defending and giving evidence for the proof of the gospel of Christ.  They had a common bond greater than any personal preference or agenda; they determined to build God’s Kingdom together. 

There are Christ followers in our church and beyond for whom I have great affection; not because we always agree on everything, but because we’re able to get past our differences and agree that God’s purpose is our agenda.   We are able to partner together to share the grace of God with others and it produces great affection in my heart for them. 

The Believers at Philippi shared in God’s grace with Paul.  A question you might want to consider today is: “What will I do in the coming months to help my pastors and leaders give people genuine evidence for the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ – what can I do to help them share the grace of God with others?”