Paul’s missionary journey took him to many places. He faced opposition, persecution, violence. Throughout, he maintained his contentment and proclaimed the sufficiency of God’s provision for his life. He was thankful.
Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. Philippians 4:14-18
And he wasn’t thankful just for himself, he was thankful for the spirit of compassion he saw in those with whom he had shared the gospel. He looked at them as a parent that looks at that child that just picked a weed and presented it as beautiful token of his love for his mama. No store-bought gift could compare to what was given from the heart.
In our day, so many opportunities exist to share out of our bounty. But it isn’t just from the abundance of stuff, it is from the abundance of grace and mercy given to us from our Father. Sharing comes from a place of thankful abundance and the desire to allow others to know that same grace and mercy; to know the satiated desire of a heart full of God’s love.
Do you have a heart-bursting passion in sharing? I know several people who give in various ways, not because they want the attention or because they feel obligated, but because God has laid that spirit of sharing and compassion on their lives.
Do you have a favorite way of sharing? An organization that you want to share? An act of kindness that has brought you and others joy? Would you share with us?
I have a friend that developed a habit of having a supply of bags in her car with a few necessities in each bag. If she saw someone on the street or a parking lot that seemed to need one, she would share. Just a simple act to let someone know they are noticed, cared for, prayed over.
Paul made certain to let the Philippians know that he wanted the joy of sharing to be experienced by them.
Be filled with joy in sharing with others.
