stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 4:14-16)

I once heard a pastor say, “See a need, fill it. Find a hurt, heal it.” What a statement! It communicates sharing in the emptiness and brokenness in other’s lives and helping to meet that need if possible. The church was designed to share in one another’s burdens. Over the years of being in church, people have helped me when I was depressed, hurt, lonely, confused, hungry, and in many more ways. I have also had the privilege of sharing these burdens with others. One time I needed gas money when traveling back and forth to Bible college (about a 3 hour drive each week). I had three jobs (internship, work study, and part-time youth pastor), but they all added to only about $75 a week!  One older couple in my church approached me with an envelope and said, “We want to help you weekly with gas money while you are in college.” What a blessing! 

In Philippians 4, we see Paul’s thankfulness for the Philippian church’s generosity and his contentment in the Lord. They send Epaphroditus to him while in prison with a gift to meet his needs. In verses 14-16, they “shared in his troubles.” No one in the church should have to bear a burden alone. First, we pray with others and ask God to meet their needs. Second, we give as we are able. Sometimes we are the answer to the prayer. We get other believers involved when we cannot fulfill the need entirely. Together, we help meet real needs in the lives of our brothers and sisters. We are vessels God ministers through!

In the Philippian church’s earliest experience in the Christian faith (Philippians 4:15Acts 16), they were the only ones to share with Paul “in the matter of giving and receiving” when he left Macedonia. They did this again when He was in Thessalonica (Philippians 4:16; Acts 17:1). They modeled the same generosity our churches must engage in today. Some have difficulty giving, while others have difficulty receiving. I once gave money to help a brother in Christ out, and he didn’t want to receive it. I said, “Jesus said it is better to give than to receive. But for me to give, you must receive!” I’ve found that giving and receiving are reciprocal. At some point, we will all find ourselves in need and with the opportunity to give. We must learn to do both well. 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Would others consider you to be a generous person (time, talents, treasure)?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Allow the Lord to reveal any greed associated with your time, talent, or treasure. You may need to think through the past month of your schedule and finances. 

Action for the Hands (Do)

• How can you become more generous in your time, talent, and treasure? Are there needs in your church, neighbors, small group, etc.? Are widows, orphans, and the poor served well in your church/area?