Stephan Hoffman

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honour people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.  Philippians 2:25-30

Read Philippians 2:19-30

Paul has great appreciation for the care and concern he received from the church in Philippi. Epaphroditus was specially sent to support Paul while he was a prisoner in jail. Unfortunately, he himself became very ill, and as Paul says, through his work for Christ came close to death. Now Paul sends Epaphroditus back to Philippi with gratitude and praise because God granted healing. We can deduce something of the special bond that existed in the early church between members of the congregation from the intimate words Paul uses.

They were concerned and worried about each other, they cared for each other and encouraged one another with love, they took each other's concerns to heart and supported each other. You can only find this kind of true and selfless love between believers who are joined to God and to each other through redemption in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Everyone longs for true love, care and concern in our lives. Each of us has a need for people who will unselfishly love us just as we are, and without expecting anything in return. You can be part of this extraordinary community of believers that exists across the centuries. You can start today by responding thankfully to the love that God has shown you, and joyfully sharing your love with others. Start right now when you finish reading this piece. Show your love for God by doing something selfless for someone else. I am sure you will come across someone today who sorely needs care, encouragement and support.

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for your love and compassion to me in Jesus Christ. Help me to recognise someone who needs me today. Lead me by your Spirit, so that I can show selfless love for others. Give me a concerned heart, caring hands, encouraging words and actions that support others, as you did to me.  Amen