Tuesday the 2nd

Philippians: 4:14

 

¹⁴Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

 

“Share in my troubles” does not do justice in today’s world to the point Paul was making. The phrase is translated form  the Greek word sugkoinōneō

soong-koy-no-neh'-o  to share in company with, that is, co-participate in: - communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of.

 

I make this point because today we often thank people for “wishing us well” or “thinking of us” yet there is no action behind their emotion. You can worry all day about someone, but if you pass up the opportunity to help that person, then you have done little to truly fellowship with them, or be a partaker of their lives.  James 2:15-16 sums this thought up well : “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,

and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? “ The Philippians got involved in Paul’s ministry. As a result, not only did they help Paul, but they helped themselves as a church by banding together in a common good cause. This is how we help people. Not by good wishes, not by just hoping the best for them, but by getting actively involved. Let each of us take some time and prayerfully consider how we are supporting those in our lives. Worry, and wonder will do little to help them. We have to roll up our sleeves dive in and get dirty. That might mean that we have to part with some cash that we did not think we had, we might have to set some time aside that we think we cannot spare, and heaven forbid, we might need to cut something we like doing for ourselves so that we might have the ability to show up, and actively support those we love. Let each of us work to share in the troubles of those around us. Be active, engage, and have a fellowship with the ones you love and support.

 

 

Peace,

Brian