Philippians 1:8

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

God is my witness, the God whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I always mention you in my prayers,

I am telling the truth in Christ ??it is no lie, my conscience bears me out in the holy Spirit

(I am writing you the sheer truth, I swear it before God!)

We never resorted to flattery (you know that), nor to any pretext for self-seeking (God is witness to that);

for he has been yearning for you all. He has been greatly concerned because you heard he was ill.

So then, my brothers, for whom I cherish love and longing, my joy and crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, O my beloved.

I am glad to be weak if you are strong; mend your ways, that is all I ask.

O my dear children, you with whom I am in travail over again till Christ be formed within you,

Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.

fain, in our yearning affection for you, to impart not only the gospel of God to you but our very souls as well ??you had so won our love.

When I recall the tears you shed when we parted, I long by night and day to see you again. That would fill me with joy,

So by all the stimulus of Christ, by every incentive of love, by all your participation in the Spirit, by all your affectionate tenderness,

by the tender mercy of our God, who will make the Dawn visit us from on high,

His own heart goes out to you all the more when he remembers how you all obeyed him, and how you received him with reverence and trembling.

I am sending him back to you, and parting with my very heart.

But whoever possesses this world's goods, and notices his brother in need, and shuts his heart against him, how can love to God remain in him?