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LOVING CONCERN
SATURDAY, MAY 20
Philippians 2:25-28

Romans 12:9-21

 

“…ye may rejoice, and that

I may be the less sorrowful.”

 

LOVING CONCERN
 
Epaphroditus was one of the leaders or perhaps the pastor of the church at Philippi. Described as their “messenger,” he made the long and arduous journey to present to Paul a collection that had been taken for his needs (Phil 4:18), and to give an update on how the church was doing.
 
We are not told of the exact cause, but while journeying to Rome, he had suffered an injury or sickness that very nearly killed him. The Christians at Philippi had heard about it and were very concerned. Not having the modern tele-communications like what we have, they had no way of knowing if he had survived or not, or how he was faring.
 
Despite his condition, Epaphroditus was not full of self-pity. He did not lament about his own condition. Rather, he was very concerned that the church was concerned about him! He was “full of heaviness,” because he did not want others to have to worry over him. Indeed, what a selfless, caring individual.
 
By His mercy, God enabled Epaphroditus to recover. Paul said that this was God’s mercy not to him only, but to Paul also, for if he had died, it would have been great sorrow to Paul. In writing this letter, Paul was assuring the Philippians that all was well with Epaphroditus, and he explained why he thought it good to send him back to them. Although Paul found Epaphroditus useful, he decided to send him “more carefully” (speedily, diligently) to Philippi, so that upon seeing that he was well, they might rejoice, and not have to worry anymore about his condition.
 
Through this whole incident, we see the beautiful relationship among Paul, Epaphroditus and the church at Philippi. They all cared for one another and loved one another so much, that they very readily put the needs of others above self. It was a true, sincere, selfless care that they had for one another – a care that was rooted in the love of God that they had. Is this a love that you have experienced before?
 
THOUGHT: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Rom 12:15)
PRAYER: Father, may I have the empathy and sensitivity to care for the needs of others above the needs of self.

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