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NATURALLY CARING
THURSDAY, MAY 18
Philippians 2:19-24

Acts 16:1-15

 

“…who will naturally

care for your state.”

 

NATURALLY CARING
 
Paul saw Timothy as a kindred spirit, one who cared for the same things and had the same spiritual concerns as he had. That was how they were able to serve together so effectively. This likemindedness was a rare and precious thing, for Paul said that there was none other like Timothy. That was truly a high commendation.
 
One key quality that Paul highlighted was the fact that Timothy had this natural care for the Philippians. He had first joined Paul on his second missionary journey, shortly before Paul heeded the Macedonian call to go over into Europe (Acts 16:1-10). Philippi was the first major city that they witnessed to. It must have held a special place in Timothy’s heart and was a church he cared very much for. This concern he had for them was not something that was engineered or forced. He genuinely cared for them, for it stemmed from a sincere love for the Lord. It is only when we love the Lord, that we can naturally love His people.
 
Paul explained that the reason why most people do not “naturally care,” is that we are naturally selfish people. We seek and care for our own things, and not the things of Christ. It must have been very frustrating for Paul that even after so many years of ministry, many around him who were serving together with him were still very self-seeking. He was perhaps referring to those teachers that we read of in Philippians 1:12-17 who were preaching out of strife and contention and did not really care about the Gospel that they were preaching. In contrast to them, Timothy was a true servant of the Lord, and was therefore one whom Paul could trust and commend to the Philippians.
 
Is this not what we see in the church today? Many people claim to be serving, but are they really serving with the right motives? Do they genuinely care for one another, or are they just seeking their own selfish agenda? How about you? We must seek the things which are Jesus Christ’s, and nurture an “unfeigned love of the brethren…(and) love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Pet 1:22).
 
THOUGHT: How can I increase in my love for those around me?
PRAYER: Father, grant me an unfeigned love for those around me, that I will genuinely care for them in the Lord.

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