The Philippians brought joy to Paul every time he thought of them. Why was this? because of their faith and their partnership with Paul in spreading the gospel. Some of the letters, most notably the two Corinthian letters, dealt with problems. We should seek to be people who bring joy to our leaders, rather than people who cause them problems and heartache.
Paul's joy is based not just on what the Philippians are like, but on God as well. He is confident that the Lord will bring to completion the work he has started in them. There is a fundamental point here, and a basic understanding of what the good news is about. We need to get rid of any "ticket to heaven" mentality that we might have. Jesus did not come simply to forgive us, but to transform us as well into what we were always meant to be. As soon as we are born again a work of transformation begins, and this work will not be completed until the day that Jesus returns.
Paul's circumstances did not stop him feeling this way. A theme running through Philippians, brought to a head in chapter 4, is that of overcoming the circumstances, rising above them.
So Paul prays fervently for them, praying that their love may abound all the more. Note that this love is not mere sentimentality, rather it is grounded in knowledge and insight. The fruit of this is that they will know the will of God, and be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
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