Philippians 1:7-8

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

(v7-8, NIV)

How does Paul feel for all of them? He is thankful for them and is overwhelmed with joy for them. He is also confident in God's work in them. They are so dear to him that he expresses that he holds them in his heart. They are all dear to him, which is why his feelings for them is justified.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

(Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

Those who are saints are all partakers in grace. It is only by God's grace that we can be saved. Paul was a partaker in this grace. As a partaker in grace, you know and realize that you are not the only one. Others who are also following the Lord Jesus Christ are also partakers in grace. We can feel a special sense of connection between those who are also partaking in this same grace we partake in. Paul has been in chains and he has been defending and confirming the gospel. In these circumstances, Paul is doing it all as a partaker of grace and for the Lord Jesus Christ whom he serves. As he struggles in these circumstances, he knows that there are other saints who have also graciously been given the opportunity to partake in grace.

Paul longs for them with the affection of Christ. How great is Christ's feelings and love for us? Paul is trying to compare his feelings for them with the affection of Christ. Or maybe he means that the feeling he has for them is an outpouring or an extension of Christ's work in him. Some may question Paul's longing for them. However, he even says that God will testify to his feelings for them.