Philippians 4:14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
I am guilty of putting the apostles, like Paul who wrote Philippians, on pedestals at times. They don’t feel like everyday humans like me. They feel….elevated somehow, more than. I’m sure this is tied up in how foundational the apostles and their writings were to the founding and spreading of Christianity. But what strikes me today is Paul’s humanity.
Philippians 4:15-16 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
He thanks the Philippians for sharing in his troubles. He wants to be sure they get the credit they deserve for showing up for him when he needed it, when no one else did. I absolutely understand gratitude for those who show up for me, who share in my troubles, who help me out, who lift me up when I am struggling. I, too, try to acknowledge and thank them for their love and kindness.
Philippians 4:17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
Lord, Thank You for helping me see connections with Paul, a foundational apostle and early Christian. Sometimes what’s in the Bible seems so foreign, so far from life as I know it. Thank You for helping me see these connections. Thanks also for wonderful people who show up for me in life. Help me to be there for others in that way. Amen.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Have a blessed day.