Introduction: The Archetype of Love in the Early Church and the Heart of Jesus Christ
Among the Apostle Paul’s letters, Philippians especially highlights the close bond of love, trust, and devoted relationship between the apostle and the church. Philippians 1:8, where Paul confesses, “I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus,” vividly reveals on what foundation the church community stands. Here, Paul goes beyond mere human fondness or emotional attachment; he emphasizes a spiritual relationship rooted in the self-emptying and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Through his exposition of this passage, Pastor David Jang reminds us that the early church community was not founded merely on organizational or institutional structures or on doctrinal consensus. Instead, it was an “spiritual family” bound together by longing for one another with the heart of Jesus Christ, the very core of the gospel.
This paper will explore the concept of the “heart of Jesus Christ” that Paul exemplifies, not only in relation to the Philippian church but also in connection with the understanding of love and community in his other epistles. Through this, we hope to rediscover the essence of love that should be remembered in contemporary church communities: a love that grows stronger in suffering, a love that expresses devoted sharing and the practice of gospel values, and a love that offers a fresh impetus for the church today.
I. The Meaning of the Heart of Jesus Christ: The Theological Foundation of Love
When Paul refers to the “affection of Christ Jesus” in Philippians 1:8, it goes beyond a conventional expression of emotion or affection often symbolized by the “bowels” (the inner organs) in Greco-Roman culture. In the ancient Mediterranean world, emotions were often described using internal organs, yet Paul transcends the mere emotional dimension here. He recalls the person and work of Jesus Christ, especially the sacrificial love displayed on the cross, emphasizing a divine dimension of love that surpasses human affection.
The heart of Jesus Christ is grounded in His self-emptying (kenosis) as illustrated in Philippians 2:5-8, where Christ, though equal with God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself, took on the form of a servant, and obediently went to the cross. This love is unconditional, sacrificial, and demands no compensation. Paul adopts this love as the model for his affection towards the Philippian church. Pastor David Jang underscores that the love of the church community is not merely human fondness but a communal and spiritual work of the Holy Spirit, sharing in the redemptive sacrifice and heart of Christ.
II. The Church Community as a Spiritual Family: An Alternative to the Logic of Power
If the church longs for one another with the heart of Jesus Christ, it means that the church community is not formed according to worldly logic of power, interest, or benefit. The world shapes relationships based on blood ties, interests, power, status, institutions, and cultural preferences. Such relationships are often fragile and easily collapse when interests no longer align. In contrast, the church community united by the heart of Jesus Christ rests on a completely different foundation.
Pastor Jang explains that a church that loves with the heart of Jesus is a “spiritual family.” This family consists of those reborn through the gospel, who embrace one another by Christ’s sacrificial love. This bond, deeper than blood and sturdier than shared interests, even transcends cultural differences. It is a divine cohesion made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. Such unity surpasses geographical distances and economic limitations. The Philippian church supported Paul, imprisoned far away in Rome, both materially and spiritually. This love cannot be explained by worldly transactions but rather testifies to a gospel-centered relationship.
III. Love Strengthened in Suffering: The Example of the Philippian Church and Paul
Paul’s imprisonment tested how pure and resilient the church’s love truly was. If the Philippian church had viewed Paul merely as a competent leader or a teacher of doctrine, they might have hesitated to support him in dangerous circumstances. However, the Philippian church loved Paul with the heart of Jesus Christ, enabling them to remain unwaveringly devoted even amid hardship and adversity.
Paul’s other letters also showcase the paradox of love in suffering. In Romans 5:3-5, he notes that suffering produces perseverance, character, and ultimately hope, as God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Instead of weakening love, suffering purifies and strengthens it. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Paul highlights the cycle of comfort: the comfort received in tribulation is shared to comfort others. Thus, suffering tests love, but also reveals its true worth. Pastor Jang interprets this process as a “journey of purified love.”
In the case of the Philippian church, suffering was not a barrier exposing the community’s weakness but rather a catalyst that refined their love. Like finding gold in a coal mine, adversity purified and brightened their love. A church longing for one another with the heart of Christ does not cower before external challenges; instead, its bonds grow stronger. This is a hallmark of gospel-centered love.
IV. A Value System Transformed by the Gospel: The Fundamental Force of Love
Love inspired by the heart of Jesus Christ cannot be reduced to moral beauty or ethical exhortation. It is rooted in the reality of the gospel, which overturns our entire value system. Paul’s repeated message in his letters is that believing in the gospel doesn’t end with the forgiveness of sins; it brings transformative change to our entire lives.
In Ephesians, Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, where each member grows together in love (Eph. 4:15-16). Love is not merely an ethical command but the mode of the church’s very existence. Treating one another with the heart of Jesus Christ thoroughly dismantles individualistic or competitive logic within the church. Instead, mutual care and cooperation enable the community to flourish. Pastor Jang stresses that love is not just a feeling; it is the practical driving force gifted by the gospel and shaped by a new identity.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul defines love by describing its attributes: love is patient and kind, not envious or boastful, not self-seeking (1 Cor. 13:4-5). Such characteristics illustrate how a community formed by the heart of Christ should behave. While modern churches may easily be swayed by secular values—focusing on programs, size, finance, and influence—Paul and Pastor Jang, through these passages, warn that the church’s true power comes from love.
V. The Expansion of Love in Other Pauline Epistles: Consolation, Empathy, and Shared Burdens
Paul does not limit his emphasis on love to Philippians; he repeats it throughout other epistles. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he praises the Thessalonian believers for holding fast to faith, love, and hope amidst tribulation (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3-4). Such a community encourages each other through mutual consolation and support in hardship. Just as the Philippian church did not forget Paul in prison, the Thessalonian believers cared for one another in times of persecution and affliction. A church with the heart of Jesus Christ does not scatter before suffering but instead binds together more tightly.
In Galatians, Paul urges believers to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13) and to carry each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). This shows that love is not merely a kind feeling but a tangible action—sharing the load of others. The church that longs for one another with the heart of Jesus willingly extends a helping hand where it is needed and breaks free from achievement-oriented thinking. Instead, it embraces sacrifice and service with joy. Pastor Jang explains that it is precisely such practical demonstrations of love that elevate the church beyond a mere religious institution, manifesting the vitality of the gospel in society.
VI. The Continuity and Growth of Love: The Good Work Until the Day of Christ
In Philippians 1:6, Paul confidently states that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The “good work” here includes the dedication, love, and gospel-centered fellowship the Philippian church displayed. Love is not a momentary passion but an enduring process that extends to an eschatological horizon.
Love, arising from the heart of Jesus Christ, matures over time. In Romans 8, Paul speaks of all creation groaning as we await the glorious freedom of the children of God (Rom. 8:18-25). Within this context of hope, love does not exist merely for earthly benefit. Rather, it is rooted in an eternal purpose, supporting the community’s walk toward the eschatological completion of God’s salvation story. This suggests that love is not a temporary emotional commodity but an organic force anchored in everlasting value.
Pastor Jang uses this eschatological perspective to emphasize that today’s church must move beyond viewing love as a mere event or campaign. The community that loves one another with the heart of Christ will continue to grow and be perfected in God’s plan. This encourages the church not to become entangled in short-lived popularity or achievements, but to practice gospel love with a long-term perspective.
VII. Implications for the Contemporary Church: Recovering Love Beyond Institutions and Programs
Today’s churches often focus on numerical growth, diverse programming, sophisticated marketing, and communication strategies. Yet these external elements can never replace the heart of Jesus Christ. Through his exposition of Philippians and Paul’s letters, Pastor Jang urges the modern church to return to the essence of the gospel, which is love.
To love one another with the heart of Jesus Christ means that when conflicts or misunderstandings arise within the church, they are not resolved through indifference or the logic of power, but through the lens of cross-shaped love. This demands humility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It also implies that the church’s relationship with its local community should not be a mere event-like service project but an expression of Christ’s heart for that community—through genuine care and shared life.
Hardship comes to the modern church as well—economic difficulties, social criticism, internal divisions, spiritual apathy. In these trials, the church’s love is tested. A community longing for one another with Christ’s heart does not rely solely on organizational restructuring or institutional reform but upholds and nurtures one another from a gospel perspective. Pastor Jang believes this approach will lead to the church’s true restoration and maturity.
VIII. Suffering as a Process of Purifying Love: Lessons for the 21st-Century Church
The 21st-century church faces countless challenges—postmodern culture, pluralism, materialism, consumerism, and declining trust. If the church merely seeks survival strategies, it risks losing the essence of the gospel. On the other hand, if it accepts suffering as a purifying process for love, the church can once again be centered in the heart of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jang suggests that it is not an exaggeration to say that suffering can be like the refiner’s fire that makes the church’s love deeper and purer, rather than a punishment from God. The Philippian church’s demonstration of love by helping Paul during his imprisonment shows how a church’s choices in times of hardship define its identity. If they had chosen comfort and safety, the true nature of their gospel love would never have emerged. However, by risking themselves to aid Paul, they proved that their love—longing with the heart of Christ—was more than mere words.
This truth applies equally to today’s church. Whether facing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, social conflict, or environmental crises, modern hardships challenge the church to demonstrate love not just as an abstract concept but as concrete action revealing the heart of Jesus Christ. Love shines brightest where there is no personal gain. When society asks, “What can you do for us?” and the church responds by caring for neighbors, protecting the vulnerable, and committing to communal healing, love becomes stronger in adversity.
IX. The Results of Love: God’s Glory and the Maturity of the Community
Loving one another with the heart of Jesus Christ does not simply create warmth within the community. Ultimately, this love brings glory to God and bears witness to the power of the gospel before the world. Philippians 1:11 says that when we are filled with the fruit of righteousness, it results in glory and praise to God. In other words, love’s practice does not end with ethical goodness but leads to spiritual and theological fulfillment.
Pastor Jang emphasizes this spiritual dynamic, reminding us that love is not just an individual virtue or internal cohesion. It engages our relationship with God and God’s redemptive work. This love matures the community and lends credibility to the gospel in the eyes of unbelievers. If the modern church recovers this perspective, it can transcend an overemphasis on programs and numerical success and be reborn as a truly gospel-centered community.
Conclusion: The Church That Loves with the Heart of Jesus Christ—A Prototype of Hope
As we have examined, Paul’s expression “the affection of Christ Jesus” in Philippians unveils the spiritual essence of church love with clarity. This love surpasses worldly logic, is rooted in Christ’s sacrifice and self-emptying, grows stronger in suffering, binds the community together as a spiritual family, and continues to mature until the end of times within God’s redemptive history.
In his exposition, Pastor David Jang urges the modern church to reclaim this “first love” of the gospel. When the church loves one another with the heart of Jesus Christ, it ceases to be merely an institution and becomes a living community embodying God’s love. Even in suffering, this love neither gives up nor fades. Instead, it is refined and shines even more brightly. Such love reveals God’s glory to the world and demonstrates that the gospel is not just talk or theory, but life itself.
When today’s church becomes mired in institutions, programs, strategic thinking, or authoritarian structures, the essence of the gospel’s love becomes blurry. Yet if we deeply meditate on Paul’s prison letters, the example of the Philippian church, and Pastor Jang’s interpretation, we can become a church that longs for one another with the heart of Jesus Christ. This lifts the church beyond being a mere gathering of believers and makes it into a spiritual family that radiates the light of the gospel in the world.
Ultimately, the church that loves with the heart of Jesus Christ is a prototype of hope. Though the world is ever-changing, and culture and values shift constantly, the love of Christ remains unchanging. Within this love, the church endures suffering and is purified, believers care for and nurture one another, and God brings forth the fruit of righteousness. That fruit is not merely internal satisfaction but God’s glory and praise displayed before the whole world. This is the core of Paul’s message to the Philippian church and the central lesson Pastor David Jang conveys to the church today.
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**예수 그리스도의 심장을 통한 교회의 사랑**
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Below is the revised English translation with the same approximate length and structure, but with more polished phrasing and style:
Title: The Heart of Jesus Christ – Pastor David Jang
Introduction: The Archetype of Love in the Early Church and the Heart of Jesus Christ
Among the Apostle Paul’s letters, the Epistle to the Philippians particularly highlights a profound bond of love, trust, and devoted connection between the apostle and the church. In Philippians 1:8, where Paul declares, “I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus,” we see vividly the foundational love upon which the church community stands. Here, Paul transcends mere human fondness or emotional attachment, underscoring instead a spiritual relationship anchored in the self-emptying and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Pastor David Jang, through his interpretation of this passage, reminds us that the early church was not sustained by organizational forms, institutional structures, or mere doctrinal agreements. Rather, it flourished as a “spiritual family,” joined together through longing for one another with the very heart of Jesus Christ—the essence of the gospel.
In this essay, we will examine in greater depth the concept of the “heart of Jesus Christ” that Paul exemplifies, not only within the Philippian congregation but also in light of how love and community are depicted in his other epistles. Through this exploration, we will rediscover the essence of love that should guide the contemporary church: a love that grows stronger in the face of suffering, that willingly shares and serves, that consistently embodies gospel values, and that prompts a renewed understanding of genuine Christian community.
I. The Meaning of the Heart of Jesus Christ: The Theological Grounding of Love
When Paul refers to “the affection of Christ Jesus” in Philippians 1:8, he goes beyond the conventional Greco-Roman metaphor of emotions as located in the “bowels” or inner organs. While ancient Mediterranean cultures often used internal organs to symbolize emotion, here Paul conveys something far deeper. By invoking the person and work of Jesus Christ—particularly the sacrificial love revealed in the cross—he shifts the conversation from natural human feeling toward a divine dimension of love.
The heart of Jesus Christ is rooted in His self-emptying (kenosis), as described in Philippians 2:5-8, where Christ, though equal with God, did not cling to His divine status but instead emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant and obeying unto the cross. This love is unconditional and sacrificial, independent of any desired repayment. Paul adopts Christ’s love as his model for relating to the Philippian believers. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that churchly love is not mere human inclination; it is a communal, Spirit-led participation in the redemptive sacrifice and heart of Christ.
II. The Church as a Spiritual Family: An Alternative to Power-Based Logic
If the church genuinely longs for one another with the heart of Christ, then it does not form its community around worldly principles of power, interest, or mutual gain. Secular relationships are often built on blood ties, profit, authority, status, institutions, or cultural preferences. Such ties are easily broken when personal interests diverge. In contrast, a church community united by the heart of Christ rests on an entirely different foundation.
Pastor Jang describes such a church as a “spiritual family.” This family comprises those reborn through the gospel, who embrace one another with Christ’s sacrificial love. This bond is deeper than kinship, stronger than common interests, and transcends cultural barriers. It is a divine cohesion made possible by the Holy Spirit. Such unity extends beyond geographical distance and economic hardship. The Philippian church supported Paul, imprisoned far away in Rome, with both moral and material assistance—an act of love that cannot be explained as worldly transaction but only as a testimony to the gospel’s transformative power.
III. Love Strengthened in Affliction: The Philippian Church and Paul’s Example
Paul’s imprisonment tested the purity and resilience of the church’s love. Had the Philippians regarded Paul only as a capable leader or a mere teacher of doctrine, they might have hesitated to assist him in perilous circumstances. Yet because they loved Paul with the heart of Christ, their devotion did not falter even under hardship.
Paul’s other letters also highlight this paradoxical dynamic of love in suffering. In Romans 5:3-5, he explains that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, as God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Suffering does not weaken love; it purifies and strengthens it. Second Corinthians 1:3-7 similarly illustrates a cycle of comfort: the comfort believers receive in tribulation enables them to console others. Thus, hardship tests love but also reveals its depth. Pastor Jang calls this a “journey of purified love.”
For the Philippians, suffering did not expose weaknesses but refined their love like gold in a furnace. A church loving with Christ’s heart does not cower before external challenges; rather, adversity intensifies its bonds. This hallmark of gospel-centered love is exemplified in their unwavering support for Paul.
IV. Transformation of Values by the Gospel: The Fundamental Force of Love
The love flowing from the heart of Christ cannot be reduced to moral appeal or ethical admonition. It is grounded in the concrete reality of the gospel, a message that overturns one’s entire value system. Across Paul’s epistles, the consistent theme is that faith in the gospel does not merely end at the forgiveness of sins; it reshapes one’s entire existence.
In Ephesians, Paul depicts the church as the body of Christ, with each member growing together in love (Eph. 4:15-16). Love is not merely an ethical order but the very mode of the church’s being. Relating to each other through the heart of Christ dismantles individualism and competition, replacing them with mutual care and cooperation. Pastor Jang stresses that love is not just a feeling; it is the driving energy the gospel imparts, rooted in our new identity in Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul defines love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not self-seeking (1 Cor. 13:4-5). Such traits outline the behavioral ethos of a community formed by Christ’s heart. While today’s churches may focus on programs, size, finances, or influence, Paul and Pastor Jang caution that true ecclesial strength springs from love, the essence of the gospel.
V. The Expansion of Love in Other Pauline Letters: Comfort, Empathy, and Shared Burdens
Paul’s emphasis on love as the fabric of Christian community is not confined to Philippians. In the Thessalonian letters, he praises believers who, despite hardships, persevere in faith, love, and hope (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3-4). They comfort and support each other even amid persecution, just as the Philippians aided Paul in prison. A church with Christ’s heart does not scatter before adversity; it unites more tightly.
In Galatians, Paul exhorts believers to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13) and to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). Love here is not simply benevolent sentiment but concrete action—sharing the load of others. A church longing for one another in Christ’s heart freely offers help where needed, forsaking achievement-oriented thinking in favor of sacrificial service. Pastor Jang explains that such loving action reveals the church as more than a religious institution—it is a conduit of the gospel’s life-giving power in society.
VI. The Continuity and Growth of Love: The Good Work Until the Day of Christ
In Philippians 1:6, Paul confidently asserts that the One who began a good work in them will carry it to completion until Christ’s return. This “good work” includes the Philippians’ demonstrated devotion and love, as well as their fellowship grounded in the gospel. Love is not a fleeting passion, but a long-term process with an eschatological horizon.
Christ’s love, implanted in believers, matures over time. Romans 8 presents creation groaning for the glorious freedom of God’s children (Rom. 8:18-25). Love thrives not merely for present gains; it is rooted in an eternal purpose, sustaining the community’s journey toward the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Hence, love is not a temporary emotional commodity but an organic force anchored in everlasting worth.
Pastor Jang employs this eschatological perspective to urge modern churches to move beyond viewing love as an event or campaign. The community that loves with Christ’s heart matures continually, guided by God’s plan. This encourages believers to focus less on fleeting success and more on practicing gospel-oriented love with a long-range view.
VII. Lessons for the Modern Church: Recovering Love Before Institutions and Programs
Contemporary churches often fixate on quantitative growth, diverse programs, sophisticated marketing, and strategic communication. Yet no external element can substitute for the heart of Jesus Christ. Through his interpretation of Philippians and Paul’s other letters, Pastor Jang calls today’s church back to the gospel’s essence: love.
To love one another with Christ’s heart means that when conflicts or misunderstandings arise, they are not resolved through indifference or dominance but through sacrificial love shaped by the cross. This approach requires humility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Likewise, in relating to local communities, the church must move beyond viewing outreach as a mere event. Instead, it should embrace the heart of Christ, exhibiting genuine care and sharing life as an act of tangible love.
Modern churches face adversity as well—economic hardships, social criticism, internal division, and spiritual indifference. In such trials, the authenticity of love is tested. A community that yearns for one another in Christ’s heart does not rely solely on reorganizing institutions or tweaking systems. Instead, it upholds a gospel perspective, strengthening and nurturing one another. Pastor Jang believes this approach leads to genuine ecclesial renewal and maturity.
VIII. Suffering as the Refining Fire of Love: Lessons for the 21st-Century Church
The 21st-century church confronts multiple challenges—postmodern pluralism, materialism, consumerism, and dwindling public trust. If it restricts itself to survival tactics, it risks losing the gospel’s true essence. Yet if it receives suffering as a purifying process that refines love, the church can once again center itself in the heart of Christ.
Pastor Jang suggests that seeing suffering not as divine punishment but as a refining fire for deeper, purer love is no exaggeration. The Philippian church’s assistance to the imprisoned Paul demonstrates that the church’s choices in hardship define its identity. Had they chosen comfort and safety, the true nature of their gospel love would have remained hidden. Instead, by taking risks to support Paul, they proved that their love, modeled on Christ’s heart, was genuine.
This truth resonates today. Whether facing pandemics, economic volatility, social conflicts, or environmental crises, present hardships challenge the church to translate love from theory into concrete action. Love shines brightest where there is no worldly profit. When society asks, “What can you do?” and the church responds by caring for neighbors, defending the vulnerable, and seeking communal healing, love proves itself stronger in adversity.
IX. The Outcome of Love: God’s Glory and the Maturity of the Community
Loving with the heart of Christ does not simply foster warmth within the community. Ultimately, this love glorifies God and testifies to the gospel’s transformative power before the world. In Philippians 1:11, Paul speaks of being filled with the fruit of righteousness that brings glory and praise to God. Here love’s practice is not confined to ethical goodness; it aspires to spiritual and theological fulfillment.
Pastor Jang emphasizes this spiritual dynamic, reminding us that love is not merely an individual virtue or internal bond. It intertwines our relationship with God and our participation in His saving work. As love matures the community, it also lends credibility to the gospel’s truth before nonbelievers. By reclaiming this perspective, the modern church can transcend preoccupation with programs and statistics, renewing itself as a genuinely gospel-centered body.
Conclusion: The Church That Loves with Christ’s Heart as a Prototype of Hope
As we have seen, Paul’s reference to “the affection of Christ Jesus” in Philippians reveals the spiritual core of ecclesial love. This love surpasses worldly logic, is rooted in Christ’s self-emptying sacrifice, grows stronger amidst suffering, binds believers into a spiritual family, and continues developing until the eschatological climax of God’s redemptive story.
In his exposition, Pastor David Jang calls the modern church to reclaim this first love—the love of the gospel. When the church loves one another with Christ’s heart, it ceases to function as a mere institution and comes alive as a living community that embodies divine love. Even in hardship, this love neither abandons its purpose nor fades away. Instead, it is refined like precious metal, shining more radiantly. Such love manifests God’s glory to the world, demonstrating that the gospel is not just rhetoric or theory, but a lived reality.
When today’s church becomes entangled in structures, programs, strategic thinking, or authoritarian governance, the essence of gospel love grows dim. However, by reflecting again on Paul’s prison letter, the example of the Philippian church, and Pastor Jang’s interpretation, we may become a church that truly longs for one another with the heart of Christ. This transformation allows the church to rise beyond a mere gathering of believers, becoming a spiritual family that radiates the gospel’s light into the world.
Ultimately, a church that loves with the heart of Jesus Christ is a prototype of hope. While the world is ever-changing, and values and cultures are in flux, Christ’s love remains steadfast. Within this love, the church endures hardship, grows purer, and enables believers to care for and uplift one another. God, in turn, produces the fruit of righteousness that displays His glory and praise before all creation. This is the crux of Paul’s message to the Philippians and the essence of Pastor David Jang’s counsel for the modern church.