PHILIPPIANS 1:8

“For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” 

“So help me God” used to be part of the swearing in of any witness in a court of law in the United States. Many courts have since deleted that phrase due to the removal of God from our justice system. A vow to God used to be the highest degree any man could swear by. Whether it is still done or not, that is still the highest level by which anyone could vow. Whether people believe it or not does not change that fact.

Paul uses this phrase in other epistles. In Romans 1:9, he says, “For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,” In 2 Corinthians 1:23 he says it again. “But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth.” You can see similar statements in 2 Corinthians 11:31, Galatians 1:20 and 1 Thessalonians 2:5 and 10. Paul did not write this lightly. He knew God was his witness in all things.

APPLICATION

God is still a witness to all we do, whether good or bad. “As God as my witness” should be true for all believers. We, above all people” should realize He is present in all our decisions, all our words and all our actions. To think otherwise would be to disregard His sovereignty in our lives.

But what was Paul claiming God was a witness of? It was how he longed for these Philippian believers with the affection of Christ. The Greek word for “longed for” is epipotheó, which comes from two Greek words, epi and potheó. Epi is used to intensify the word it is connected to. Potheo means to long for or desire. So, this compound word means to intensely long for. Paul had a deep desire for these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do you have that kind of desire for others’ benefit? Can you honestly say before God this is true? When you tell someone you love them in Jesus you should really mean it. Don’t do lip service. Remember that God is your witness in all things. Do it all to honor Him for He is worthy of all honor and praise. Amen?

Lord God, help me love others honestly with the love of Jesus today.