Read: Philippians 1:8-11
I hold you in my heart. . . . For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all. (vv. 7-8)
Sociologists have a theory called “the looking-glass self.” The theory suggests that we become what the most important person in our lives—parent, spouse, child—thinks we are. We live up (or down) to that person’s image of us. How would your life change if just one person truly believed in you and loved you without conditions?
There were some Christians in Paul’s life who did not believe in Paul’s love for them. They were convinced that he was less than sincere, or worse, simply a pretender.
In an effort to demonstrate his genuine heart, Paul appeals to God as his witness. He puts himself under a sacred oath before God in an effort to convince these people that he is speaking truth into their lives. What more could he do to convince them of his love? Paul yearned for them. The verb is, as it were, taken from ESPN, AD 60 edition. It describes a sprinter leaning into the finish line or a relay runner leaning forward to hand off the baton. It is a word of commitment and resolve, of not giving up on someone. Paul says to these skeptics, “Before God, I want you to know that I am leaning into you with love.”
Sometimes that’s all we can do. Commit ourselves before God to keep running forward with love for people even when they doubt or reject it.
As you pray, ask God to help you keep running in love for others.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
