With a gracious heart so overflowing with love and gratitude, Paul closes his letter to the church of Philippi with an emotion laden conclusion. So grateful for their gift; while at the same time, understanding the sacrifice they had made. He did not want them to feel obligated by his gratitude; yet, he wanted them to know how much he appreciated it. They were the only church to send him support. Remember, they had even sent one of their own to be with him and comfort him while he, imprisoned must have felt so alone. Oh, yes; he reminds them that God strengthens him when abased and when plenteous; however, that did not diminish in his eyes their gracious gifts to him. Furthermore, he prayed to the God for their reward for such an unselfish act of Grace toward him.
PHILIPPIANS 4:
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[b] who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gracious Heart Overflowing with Thanksgiving
Paul reminded the church of the 7 steps guaranteeing them peace of heart; then, he had turned to this earnest thank you to them. His earnest, gracious heart outpouring in perhaps the only writing of Paul demonstrating an almost stuttering of words. Bare with me, as I put these verses in other words.
“I was overjoyed with all your gifts. You wanted to send sooner or more, I know your hearts; but, you didn’t have to give before now. Don’t get me wrong! God taught me contentment, even when I lack food, companionship and things. God always is my strength; however, I still am so blessed by all you sent me. You are the only church to give to my ministry, for which God will richly bless you. Never forget, He owns everything. His riches are greater than mere physical riches; rather, He will fill your hearts with all the spiritual riches in Christ Jesus as well. Thank you, Thank God for you. Thank God for everything; because to Him be the Glory forever and ever. Amen.”
LESSONS TO LEARN
- When God draws your heart to help someone–do it. God will provide for you a way
- Always live with a heart of gratitude for those God places in your path and for God’s Grace toward you
- God will use your generous gracious heart to bless others along the way. You will be blessed as well.
- When the going gets tough, God IS enough; yet, if He sends help, graciously accept. By such you have blessed them, by allowing them to bless you.
- Live a life, never expecting or demanding help. Stand strong in the Lord’s Strength. Then, when “out of nowhere” God sends a caravan, your joy will overflow with a gracious heart of Thanks to both God and the giver He sent.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
Personally, I tend to reach out to help others a lot; yet, shrink inside when I need help from others. In doing so, I am not allowing them to be blessed by their sharing. I need to learn how to receive love and help with the graciousness of Paul. What about you?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]When God sends you a helping hand Take it with a Gracious Heart of Thanks[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”As Christians we need to learn how to receive gifts graciously as well as to give” username=”effiedarlene”]
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this write? So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling. If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The inscription I added; yet, the Photo by Anastasia Petrova on Unsplash