Paul

had never been with Jesus like the other apostles, most of whom had

been Jesus’ disciples. He met Jesus in a vision on the road to

Damascus (Acts 9). And he was eager to experience having full life

with Christ in his presence forever.

Yet

he loved the life he had here on earth, and he loved the Philippians

and all others who needed to hear about and grow in the love of

Christ. So Paul was torn, and he sensed that his going to be with

Jesus would wait. He hoped to return to Philippi to enjoy the

people’s fellowship and deepen their faith.

Paul

lays out his heart here for all to see. And what we see is love,

love, love. Love for God, love for Jesus, love for the gospel, love

for sisters and brothers in the church. An old song says, “They

will know we are Christians by our love.” Certainly we see Paul’s

Christlikeness in his lavish love.

One

of the saddest things I have ever heard about a pastor was that a

person said, “That pastor just does not love his people.”

Unsurprisingly, ministry derails where there is no love. By Paul’s

example, we see again the importance of love for God and love for

neighbor at the center of ministry. Jesus stated that these two loves

summarize the whole will of God. Paul understood that, and we can

too.