Verse 7 “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”
When Paul writes that it is proper for him to feel the way he does, he uses a word that denotes a mindset or permanent attitude rather than a momentary consideration. This is not a hasty thought but something that has developed over time. He has three reasons (we like to say good reasons) why he feels the way he does.
First, as we learn in verses three and four, he holds them in his heart. That is, he has great affection for the Philippian church. Over the years this affection has grown due to their interaction in the gospel together. Secondly, they have been long time partners with him in his effort to spread the gospel in the world (see verse 5). Thirdly, they have stuck with him regardless of the circumstances. They were true partners because they did not abandon him or the furthering of the good news of Jesus.
Finally, I should mention that Paul expresses his feelings for all of them. There were some obvious disagreements among them, but Paul doesn’t take sides. I love all of you is Paul’s sentiment. He will later encourage their solving their differences since they are all of one purpose.
Task for Today: Think about your own church family. Do you feel joy about all of them? Every single one? If not, what is causing negative feelings? Christ died for them the same as He did for you. If anything is standing between you and another Christian, you should stop what you’re doing and get it right immediately. Let no ill feelings exist in a congregation because of anything you said or did. If the negativity is coming from somewhere else, forgive them, just as God forgave you.
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