"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1v3-5)
Last night I spent the evening chatting and praying with thirteen graduates from Warwick Christian Union who live in and around London. Spanning at least four years of students, I know some of them really well; others I know less well, and yet there was a real sense of unity, warmth and love within the group.
I was struck for about the millionth time, just how blessed I am to have been a part of Warwick CU. God was very definitely doing something special.
On the train home afterwards I spent time reflecting on Philippians 1. In the first few verses Paul talks warmly about how he relates to the Philippian Christians. Christians who have partnered with him in the gospel and whom he loves deeply. It really challenged me to think about my relationship with my wonderful Warwick CU friends.
Paul actively remembers them (v3), thanking God for them (v3), and praying joyfully for them (v4). He yearns for them (v8) and holds them in his heart (v7). He feels all the affection of Christ Jesus for them (v8).
His prayer and desire is that their love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (v9). He wants them to be pure and blameless (v10), and to be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus (v11). He is confident that God will complete the good work that Paul has seen Him begin in them (v6).
I think I feel a fraction of what Paul feels, but there is definitely some of that going on in my heart. I am now praying that God would grow that even more, so that I can be a blessing to them.
0 comments:
Post a Comment