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NASB | Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, |
Bible Question: I would like to know what a bond between friends are? Is it something you feel or something you know? |
Bible Answer: Hi Protestant, This is a good question. It suggests to me the difference between secular friends and acquaintances and our Christian friends. Certainly the bond between Christian friends can be instantly felt and known. I can determine by a person's conversation and choice of words and particularly lack of coarse words, that here is a person that could be a Christian believer. If I find that he does express to me that he is a believer in Christ, then I have an instant friend. We can not find such "instant" friends in a secular setting. When we meet as persons of faith, we have one purpose and can stand firm in one spirit. Philippians 1:27, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;..." I would suppose that a secular friendship can be of a kindred spirit but I believe also that believers have the fellowship of the Spirit when we are united in spirit. Philippians 2:2, "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." From the heart, Ray |