And you Philippians yourselves know that at the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into a partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment and more. I am well supplied, having received Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:15-20
What are these verses saying? What can we learn about God and Jesus from these verses?
God loves it when we join Him in giving generosity. Recently, I heard a friend preach about being radical about our giving and kindness. Going out of our way to be of service to another person. These are all a format of gifts. This is a common expression of the gospel through the church.
The Philippians church is an example of how one church saw, allowing us to join in God’s work in the world. God is working all around us. He is asking us to join by in our generosity. He will use this. We can see what He has given through our generosity. In Philippians’ book, we can see the sacrifice they made by the way they were generous. We don’t give to be good Christians. We give with hearts of joy, in response to God’s love. His love overflowing in us is the impact of HIs gospel in our lives. The more we give to others, the more we are like Jesus. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son. God is generous in all he gives us; therefore, we should initiate this and be willing to give to others.
Do you give and live generously? Do you invest in God’s work in the world through your generosity? If you don’t, what needs to change in your life?
Do you regularly give, proportionately, and sometimes sacrifice to join in God’s kingdom work?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us your son and for His purpose. You are a generous God. I pray that we will also be generous to others. I pray that you will reveal to us where we need to make these changes in our lives.
In Jesus Name
Amen
