stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 4:10)

What joy it brings to life when others show concern for you. There have been times when the church has expressed compassion and love for me and my family. In difficult times such as my parent’s funerals, a minor surgery, and brief sickness, people in the church mowed my grass, provided a meal, and even given money. Their display of concern in those moments showed their concern all along. When the opportunity arose, they displayed it in tangible ways. 

Paul’s joy was increased because of the Philippian church’s generosity toward him. They had already given it (2 Corinthians 8) and sent a gift through Epaphroditus to help Paul in his imprisonment. Paul said their generosity caused him to “rejoice greatly in the Lord” (v. 10). While Paul showed his appreciation for their gift, it increased Paul’s joy and confidence in Jesus and moved him to praise. When others are generous towards us, we should thank them and praise Jesus. We should not take Christian generosity for granted but be thankful, humble, and joyful in every circumstance.

It seems the Philippian church was delayed in its ability to be generous. The Macedonian churches faced severe trials and extreme poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2). Perhaps this was why they “were concerned but had no opportunity to show it.” What seems like a mild rebuke from Paul may be more of an explanation for their delay. Perhaps they had trouble getting their gift to Paul because of his imprisonment. Maybe there was just no opportunity to express generosity until his imprisonment. Whatever the case, Paul was thankful for their “renewed concern” for him. This doesn’t mean they lost concern. It points to the time between their previous gift (2 Corinthians 8) and their present gift. “Indeed, you were concerned” could have settled the notion that they were not concerned for the Apostle. 

As the church, we must care for the needs of others, especially when they are suffering, and it should be our delight. When the Philippian church “gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability,” they did so “entirely on their own, urgently pleading for the privilege of sharing with the Lord’s people” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). They did this with “overflowing joy” (v. 2). They weren’t concerned about their “severe trial” or “extreme poverty.” They were content, generous, compassionate, and concerned for others because “they gave themselves first of all to the Lord” and then to others (v. 5). This should be the model for our generosity. 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Is your concern for others expressed generously and sacrificially?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Compare the Philippian’s manner of giving with that of Christ’s crucifixion. What qualities do they share?

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Is there a tangible need in your local church? Pray about what to do and then do it. It will be an encouragement to those in need.