Word@Work Phil26 - Philippians 2:26-28
Published: Thu, 10/29/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Phil. 2:26-28 For he [Epaphroditus] longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. (NIV)
Normal people are very concerned when loved ones are unwell or left alone. Normal Christians feel like that about God's family in difficulties, wherever they may be. Sickness had overtaken Epaphroditus after arriving to help Paul. Word got back to believers in Philippi that their 'special envoy' was unwell, and as Epaphroditus heard of their concern, he was distressed to have caused them so much grief. And at that time they did not know that he had almost died. Paul was deeply concerned for him too; and attributes his recovery to God's mercy - otherwise he would have been devastated at the loss of a brother, who had travelled so far to meet his needs.
Paul clearly loved this brother and was greatly encouraged by his visit. But the Apostle also respected the needs of his family in Greece to be reunited with their brother. Indeed, that separation alone caused Paul great concern, not for his own sake (although he relished the comradeship and fellowship in ministry), but he was aware how much comfort Epaphroditus would bring back home. So you see, everybody in this little story gave themselves sacrificially to meet the needs of others, yet everybody was deeply concerned for the other people and wanted to bring practical solutions to reunite loved ones.
True gospel heartedness does not ruthlessly pursue ministry projects at the expense of loving relationships. These relationships are a special part of God's grace to us, for our strengthening and encouragement. But, possibly more importantly, these people are part of God's way of loving us, and letting us love others for His sake. Some believers are so trapped by people pressures that they do not see ministry opportunities in the middle of their encounters. Others are so project-driven that they have no time for weakness in others. But Jesus (in Matt 25:31-46) identified the critical importance of demonstrating loving care in His Name. Paul, Epaphroditus and the Philippian church could teach many of us a useful lesson. God often uses our caring to show His love to others. We should never minimise the importance of this teaching: perhaps we should find some way to practise loving care with somebody we are concerned for, today.
Prayer: Loving Father. Thank You for the many times in which I have been helped and comforted by other believers. Sometimes they have given their time and hospitality most generously, and yet I have not shown my gratitude to You by helping others. Please forgive my slowness to care for Your people beyond the point of my own convenience. Help me not to be self-indulgent in wanting others to put me first, and to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Normal people are very concerned when loved ones are unwell or left alone. Normal Christians feel like that about God's family in difficulties, wherever they may be. Sickness had overtaken Epaphroditus after arriving to help Paul. Word got back to believers in Philippi that their 'special envoy' was unwell, and as Epaphroditus heard of their concern, he was distressed to have caused them so much grief. And at that time they did not know that he had almost died. Paul was deeply concerned for him too; and attributes his recovery to God's mercy - otherwise he would have been devastated at the loss of a brother, who had travelled so far to meet his needs.
Paul clearly loved this brother and was greatly encouraged by his visit. But the Apostle also respected the needs of his family in Greece to be reunited with their brother. Indeed, that separation alone caused Paul great concern, not for his own sake (although he relished the comradeship and fellowship in ministry), but he was aware how much comfort Epaphroditus would bring back home. So you see, everybody in this little story gave themselves sacrificially to meet the needs of others, yet everybody was deeply concerned for the other people and wanted to bring practical solutions to reunite loved ones.
True gospel heartedness does not ruthlessly pursue ministry projects at the expense of loving relationships. These relationships are a special part of God's grace to us, for our strengthening and encouragement. But, possibly more importantly, these people are part of God's way of loving us, and letting us love others for His sake. Some believers are so trapped by people pressures that they do not see ministry opportunities in the middle of their encounters. Others are so project-driven that they have no time for weakness in others. But Jesus (in Matt 25:31-46) identified the critical importance of demonstrating loving care in His Name. Paul, Epaphroditus and the Philippian church could teach many of us a useful lesson. God often uses our caring to show His love to others. We should never minimise the importance of this teaching: perhaps we should find some way to practise loving care with somebody we are concerned for, today.
Prayer: Loving Father. Thank You for the many times in which I have been helped and comforted by other believers. Sometimes they have given their time and hospitality most generously, and yet I have not shown my gratitude to You by helping others. Please forgive my slowness to care for Your people beyond the point of my own convenience. Help me not to be self-indulgent in wanting others to put me first, and to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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