Paul knew Christ. He met Him after He had walked among men, after He had healed blind men, after He had raised the dead, after He was crucified, buried and was Himself raised from the dead. There came to be a special bond between Paul and Christ. Christ was Paul’s life. The Spirit of the risen Christ lived in Paul. He shared His faith, His wisdom, His knowledge, His grace with Paul. Paul didn’t get to know Jesus the way John knew Him. But—what he knew was wonderful. In his own testimony, he said, ...I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Then, take note of what Paul said in the following Scripture about the compassion of Christ that he held within his own heart.

Philippians 1:8-10—For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ (God is my witness how I have a strong feeling of love for you all brought on by the compassion I share with Jesus Christ). And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment (discernment); that ye may approve things that are excellent...(that you may be able to put things to the test and decide what is best).
NIrV—God can give witness that I long for all of you. I love you with the love that Christ Jesus gives. I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding. Then you will be able to know what is best...

DEAR LORD, I just simply want more of the Love that You give. I know of no other way to attain this Love than to ask You for it. So, that’s what I’m doing today. And LORD, won’t You please bring me to the place where I can let that Love move through me to touch the lives of these that I name before You. Then—let Your Love begin moving through me to touch these who oppose You. Help me show them how powerful Your Love is.

The Exceedingly Great Bounds of Christ’s Love—Romans 5:5-8

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