"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles."
From this verse I realized that good fellowship is not only about sharing good times with good company but that it can also be a good time of sharing your troubles. I love to hang out and have a good time of sharing good food, good jokes and stories with my friends. Yet, I also find it just as fulfilling if not more to lend a sympathetic ear for a couple hours out of my day for a close friend. And my friends in turn love to offer their perspective and advice to ease whatever is causing an ache in my heart. It truly is a blessing to know that you have a friend to turn to with your troubles or ailments and that you're more than good company but a source of comfort in their time of need.
Paul is thanking the Philippians for what seems like material or financial assistance. And though just a few verses ago, he testifies how he has learned to be content in every circumstance, he doesn't brush aside the gifts he received from them as something he could or could not have used. I can't remember all the countless gifts I didn't need to receive and for which the best I could offer in terms of gratitude was something in the line of "oh thanks,... I guess it's the thought that counts..." For us, that phrase is usually offered as a consolation to the giver but for Paul, it's the real meat in his thank you. It's not so much because of the gifts itself but Paul's heart swelled with gratitude and praise they were an out pouring of someone that was looking out for him through all his hardships. Somebody cared to think of his needs and did something to meet them. The love and care behind the gifts is what made them "...a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."
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2 comments:
thanks for a great reflection, lynn. the previous passage showed paul's zeal for the glory and honor of Christ Jesus. as moved as paul was by the generous spirit of the philippians, he is equally anxious to show that God Himself is alone sufficient for all his needs.
if the previous passage shows paul's heart for Christ Jesus, the passage today shows paul's heart for his people. he commends them for being the only church that constantly looked out for his needs, but he does so, not for the gifts themselves, but because he is looking for that "which might be credited to their account". in other words, paul is pleased that the acts of caring and generosity may result in God being pleased with them and blessing them for their kindness to him.
paul ends this letter with a most wonderful verse: "and my God will meet ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus". amen and amen.
Thank you, Lynn!
I felt the same sentiment as you when I read today's passage. It was really encouraging to read Paul's thanks to the Philippian church for all aid and support. He really made it through some tough times with their help and he really loves them. I read this and realize that we need to be each others' support system and how we can't really walk this earth alone. Thanks for sharing! ^-^
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