Philippians 2:1 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
The phrase “bowels and mercies” refers to that which is absolutely sincere and is communicated exactly as it is felt. Such sincerity is from God, securely planted deep within His Children. The “bowels” is an old way of referring to the most inward parts, or the most deeply rooted feelings that come forth in the purest expression of love. The “mercies” are the most sincere acts of loving compassion; that is, those things that are done for us that we could not possibly do for ourselves. On the first order, our Lord Jesus Christ revealed the utmost in “bowels and mercies” when He willingly Sacrificed Himself to forever remove our sin-penalty, rendering everyone of His beloved Children perfectly fit for Eternal Heaven. Secondly, among the Children of God these “bowels and mercies” are daily revealed in their loving concern and care for each other. Those who experience these blessed “bowels and mercies” have no doubt that they are greatly loved and wanted, and that encouragement and help is always nearby. During the worship services these “bowels and mercies” are emphasized as the Children of God raise their voices in hymns of praise, humbly kneel in prayer, listen in awe as the Word of God is Preached, and embrace one another in Brotherly love! In the Church Family where these “bowels and mercies” are shown and felt, there is a sweet joy of fellowship so lovely that it makes those who visit want to return again and again.