Paul states in Philippians 1:8

"How greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ." 

I wondered, 'what is the affection of Jesus Christ?'

In the following verse he prays that, "our love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment."                              I wondered again, 'how does love abound in knowledge and discernment?' He continues and says, "that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense." 

So this occurred to me - The affection of Jesus Christ is not unlike our natural love: we long for those we love and hope our love will abound more and more for them. But when we have that love for a stranger, which I believe is "the affection of Jesus Christ," we need knowledge so we can guide and direct them towards God, away from trouble, but not enable them or ensnare ourselves. And we need discernment so we don't mistake the "affection of Jesus Christ" for a carnal feeling that can betray our good intentions and end up causing an offense instead of being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which glorify God. 

Christian ministry is an emotional, personal, and often deeply moving involvement, that needs real knowledge and discernment.