Helping Hands

Philippians 4:8-13

Verse 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Paul takes another slight turn in his closing comments to his friends. The first thing he mentions speaks so deeply of his relationship with the people of Philippi and should cause us to think about our godly friendships.

We find Paul rejoicing that he is at last feeling his friends concern. We need to remember that Paul was in prison and so was likely missing the company of many of his friends. A word from our friends is especially welcome when we are in a less than ideal place in life. The same was true of Paul and this message from friends was accompanied by some financial support that was helpful to Paul.

We all have times in life when we could use the support of friends. Sometimes those are times of hardships in life such as illnesses, tragedies, and other unexpected life changes but other times they are simply things that we didn’t see coming that aren’t necessarily bad just a matter of adjustment. During these times we can feel like we are alone and unsteady but when we have good friends that come alongside us to be there in our trials with us, we are encouraged even on our darkest days.

This support of friends is not just about being on the receiving end. We need to be there to support our friends in their times of need too. In fact we need to see that Paul didn’t ask for this help from his friends. We shouldn’t stand by awaiting for an invitation into our friend’s pain. As Paul told the Romans in his letter to them, we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). This is why we need to be aware of what is going on in our friend’s lives. We can’t support where we don’t know support is needed.

One of the benefits of being in a healthy church is the way this support shows itself. When the Church is living as it should, we will find that the members are caring for each other in ways that the world does not. Members feel the love of other members through support that shows itself in various ways. This loving attention to each other is a witness to the world around us of Christ’s love.

Making It Personal

When have you experienced the support of friends? When have you supported a friend? Which friend needs your support today?

Making It Personal Kids

Has a friend ever helped you when you needed it? Have you ever helped a friend who was in need? Who needs your help today?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for blessing us with each other. Give us the wisdom and insight to know what others need and the willingness to love them through their trial. In Jesus’ name, amen.