Giving gratefully

Philippians 4:15-23

¹⁵ As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. ¹⁶ Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. ¹⁷ I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

¹⁸ At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

²¹ Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. ²² And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.

²³ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul is finishing his letter to the beloved Philippians thanking them for gifts they sent for his support, hand delivered by Epaphroditus. Paul comments on the many times they have done this through the years acknowledging the sacrifice they have made to do this, partnering with him in the gospel.

Having been in missions for some years in the past this passage reminds me of two things. Firstly, always be grateful for the things that are given to me as I do not know what it has cost the giver. Secondly to be a giver, especially to those who are working for the gospel, being obedient to what the Holy Spirit maybe saying in the area of giving. Most read this to be financial but there were many ways I received support over the years in missions, not just in money.

Paul said earlier, v12. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, I certainly had to learn this, to be content with what I did or didn’t have. Keeping my eyes on Jesus is the only way to do this as God has always met my needs too.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.  As we give to others for your glory, you in turn give to us, may I always be grateful and always be generous. Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson