When rule-driven ethics disappoint and feelings-driven relationships deceive we are held secure by the affection of Christ’s love for us. Paul was in labor for the spiritual birth of those being called to Christ. As a new mom bonds to her newborn with hormonal oxytocin, Paul bonded to the new believers with agape love. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to empower Paul with unfailing love to reap a harvest from hardened soil. He experienced the suffering of Christ but he also was filled with the sweetness of knowing the Savior’s affection personally.- Teresa #livingwater #thirsty #affectioninknowingHistruthaboutme

Philippians 1: 8-11 (ESV)

8For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.