Imagine being in prison or on house arrest and still having to provide your meals. You aren’t given three square meals a day, you don’t have utilities paid for, no free gym membership, and you have to pay rent even though you have no means of generating income. I’m not trying to make today’s prison’s sound like a cakewalk, they aren’t, but the prisons in Paul’s day were different. He had to rely on the kindness of others for survival. He depended on others for meals, utilities, and company. Paul’s network more than provided for his physical needs; they sent people to help him emotionally and spiritually. In every letter, Paul mentions people who are with him, visiting him, and sending him gifts. What an encouragement to Paul! You never know when your words or actions will lift another person. Who do you know or think might be in need? How can you meet that need? Be obedient to the promptings of the Spirit and send help! Your sacrifice may be what they need to get to tomorrow.
Philippians 4:18: “At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.”
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Photo by Richárd Ecsedi on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 