Definition: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Philippians 1:7 together. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about how we’re connected to each other. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God loves you deeply and wants to be with you, even when you’re facing challenges. He sees you as part of his plan for the gospel – that message of good news – and he's safeguarding it. Let’s break it down word by word: "Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all..." - This is a gentle way of saying “It’s natural for me to think about you.” He’s acknowledging that he’s thinking about you – meaning, he's considering your well-being and the situation you’re in. "...because I have you in my heart." - This means he feels a strong connection to you. It's not just a casual thought; it’s a deep feeling of love and care. He sees you as incredibly important to him. " inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel..." – This is the tricky part, but it means several things: “My bonds”: Think of this as your situation – maybe you’re facing difficulties or challenges. “The defence and confirmation of the gospel”: This refers to sharing God's good news (the gospel) with others. It’s about spreading his message and making it known. Putting it all together, here’s what it’s saying: God loves you deeply, even when you’re facing hardship. He’s actively involved in your life, safeguarding the gospel – that message of good news – so it can be shared with others. He sees you as a part of his plan and wants to see the gospel spread. Overall Meaning: It's a statement of God's love and desire for unity among believers. He’s offering protection and encouragement to those who are involved in spreading the Gospel, knowing that their well-being is important to him. In short, it's a powerful expression of God’s care and commitment to your life. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this verse might be applied in a specific situation (like a difficult time)?