Philippians 1:8

Thanksgiving

⁷ It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God's unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel's truth]. ⁸ For God is my witness that I long to see you with the [same] affection that Christ Jesus has [for you]. ⁹ And I pray that your love may grow stronger and stronger, [along] with how much you know, and [that you may grow] in your ability to comprehend things.

Christ Jesus

Jesus Christ

Tender Mercies

Tender Mercy

Christ

Jesus

Messiah

Romans 1:9

For God, whom I serve wholeheartedly in [preaching] the Gospel of His Son, is my witness [to the truth] of how continually I mention you in my prayers.

Romans 9:1

I am telling [you] the truth in Christ [i.e., since I am a Christian]; I am not lying. My conscience, [confirmed] by the Holy Spirit, supports my statements [as true],

Philippians 4:1

So, my dearly loved brothers, those whom I long to see, [who are] my [reason for] being glad and [who are] my crown of victory; stand firm in [your devotion to] the Lord, my dear ones.

2 Timothy 1:4

Remembering how you cried [Note: This was probably when Paul and Timothy last parted], I long to see you [again], so that I can be filled with joy.

Luke 1:78

because of God's merciful compassion. Therefore, the morning sun from above will arise

2 Corinthians 6:12

We are not holding back [our affections] from you, but you are holding back your affections [from us].

2 Corinthians 7:15

And he has great affection for you when he remembers how obedient all of you were [i.e., obedient to his or Paul's instructions to the church], and how you welcomed him with fear and trembling [i.e., with a respectful, submissive spirit].

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak and you are powerful. And we are also praying for your complete restoration [i.e., to spiritual maturity].

Galatians 1:20

Now [realizing I am] in God's presence, I am not lying about any of these things.

Galatians 4:19

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am again deeply pained [as a woman in childbirth] over your [spiritual] condition, until [the life of] Christ becomes formed in your character.

Philippians 2:1

Is there anything to be encouraged about by being in [fellowship with] Christ? Is there any comfort from His love? Is there any sharing with the Holy Spirit? [Have you received] any affection and compassion [from Christ]?

Philippians 2:26

For he longed to see all of you and was very distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Colossians 2:1

I want you to know how much I am struggling for you [Note: This probably refers to the great effort Paul was exerting in prayer, preaching, etc.], and for those at Laodicia [Note: This was a town ten miles west of Colosse], and for all those who have never met me in person.

Colossians 3:12

So, as God's elect [i.e., His people], holy and dearly loved [by Him], clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

1 Thessalonians 2:5

For we were never found using flattering words at any time, as you know, nor did we try to cover up any greedy desires. God can testify [to this].

1 Thessalonians 2:8

And so, since we have such deep affection for you, we were very pleased to share with you, not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

1 John 3:17

Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life's possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person's heart.