Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Philippians 2:26, “He misses you all, and he was upset because you heard he was sick.”

Background

I think many of us, myself included, have a hard time opening up to others. I know even with my wife of eighteen years I can sometimes be too distant or aloof, withholding details or keeping things to myself. I do, however, play it up sometimes, pretending to be mysterious and secretive just to get her goat. But there still are times when I should probably say more or share more or reach out more for help. Most times I keep it to myself to keep from burdening her, but there are occasions where it’s just my silly insecurity that prevents me from speaking up. Our families and circles of friends have been given to us specifically by God to encourage, support, and draw alongside of us whenever the need arises. The sweet grace of sorrow or anxiety shared with a brother or sister in Christ is a heavenly gift that all too often gets missed as we hold our peace and perhaps grin and bear it. 

Application

I’ve run across a couple of people very recently who are of the mindset that they do not want to trouble others with the problems that they are having. Now, if it were because they felt that no one would sincerely listen and be there for them, then that would be a different sort of tragedy. But I wonder why Epaphroditus was upset that those in Philippi had heard that he was sick? Based on the description Paul gives of him, it would appear that his primary reason was that he didn’t want to burden his friends, especially from a distance where they would not be able to offer any help. But even as loving and thoughtful as that might be, I think that when we operate in that same way, we are discounting much of what the Lord can do in and through our situation. Reaching out in need is at the core of our state before God, and expressing that to His children and our brothers is a means to His grace. And who can know what blessings from God await those who care for you as they hear of and pray for you in your trials. A doctor opens a wound to let the healing begin. Do not keep bottled up what Christ would have you share for your good and the good of many others.  

Charge

As we seek Him today, allow yourself to trust someone enough to care for you. And offer up that loving concern to someone who may be struggling to reach out for help.  

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words