You bring me joy – 4 - Passion for the Needy (Deprived)
Paul says that this church in Philippi was His “joy and crown” (Phi 4:1). Why would he say that?
Another reason why I think Paul remembers this church with joy is because this church took care of his needs when he was desperately in need.
Paul would say in Phi 4:15-16 - not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
Don’t forget Paul was one of the brilliant minds of this time, having studied at the feet of Gamaliel. He could easily made it to the top university of his time and be a professor or that equivalent. But Paul threw all that away for the sake of proclaiming the gospel. And in doing so, he became an enemy to the enemies of the cross.
Paul went through a very hard time. Often thrown in prison and mistreated. Paul writes in 2 Cor 11:27 - …in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. That was the sacrifices Paul had to make for the sake of the gospel.
This church was mindful of Paul’s needs. Their gift was twofold. Not only did they send him money for his physical needs, the also send him an helper to be with him in his time of need. A man by the name of Epaphroditus was sent with the responsibility to care for Paul’s needs while he is imprisoned (Philippians 2:25).
What a powerful example of generosity. Isn’t this what our Lord commanded us to do. “Love your neighbour as yourself”.
Matthew 25:37-40 - Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Paul reminds the Galatians in 6:10 - So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
To help the less fortunate, meet the needs of the poor and to give generously whenever there is a need. That’s what the early church did in Acts Ch 2-3 and that’s what we are supposed to do.
Has anyone told you, “You helped me when I was desperately in need, You are angel, sent by God” or something to the effect?
I have heard that many times. May God help us to see the needs of the others and offer help in the time of need.
Comments
Post a Comment