For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

4:14   Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Paul continues in this heartfelt letter to his church in Philippi, speaking of this gift they had provided. And yet Paul settled on the thought of sharing in his trouble.

He emphasized their sharing of his trouble, of their taking upon themselves a burden to be borne with Paul. He did not phrase this as simply a financial transaction, much like some of the gifts I may have given in the past, or of an obligation that was fulfilled due to some promise made, or commitment to be fulfilled.

This phrase screams of two things in my mind.

Proactive

I hope I am not reading into the passage, but the love this church had for Paul was expressed in a willingness to help, that when a “trouble” became known, the church did not wait for a plea from the apostle, for a request for assistance. They were proactive, looking for ways to be of assistance.

It seems they were on the lookout for the apostle, keeping their eyes and ears open for an opportunity to join with him in his mission.

Team Culture

A team culture. What might be a better description of what I am trying to communicate? Yes – a better description might be that the church was a family, and that Paul was a brother who was away.

When one in a healthy family is hurting, the rest of the family comes around them to protect, to provide, to encourage, to support and to forgive.

As my own family has went through trials, I have seen my children huddle together to protect the hurting, “conspire” to find ways of helping their brother or sister, and generally be sensitive to the needs of those who are on the edge. I am truly thankful for the family the Lord has given my wife and I.

A family is a picture of a healthy church, and I have been privileged to be a part of a church like this at different times in my life. If you are currently in a church that is a proactive family, give thanks to God. Give thanks to God and keep a look out for those who may be in trouble.

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