Love and Philippians

The letter to the Philippians is one of Paul's most beloved letters.  Centuries of Christians have taken inspiration from it. Paul's clear affection for the readers is obvious. So why is it important to read this letter today?
Daniel Migliore's commentary on Philippians has a good intro on 'why this letter and why now:'
First, because this letter offers one of the most eloquent and compelling witnesses to something Paul calls "surpassing value," that is knowing and following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Second, because the Philippian congregation is like many of our churches today--struggling to be faithful, worried about the future, and trying to find our way through potentially damaging disagreements. Third, because the church in Philippi found itself among the highly religiously, culturally, and politically diverse environment of the Roman Empire, and was trying to find out who really did deserve ultimate loyalty.  Finally, because this letter holds together belief and practice--"talking the talk and walking the walk"--as we are trying to do.  Sounds like all the right reasons to read it now.
Note: This note was meant to be published last spring when I was reading Paul's letters with some of the folks at "a little church with a big mission." Pardon the lateness, and watch for more upcoming comments on the letter to the Ephesians that we'll be reading together this fall (September 2015).