In Philippians, Paul starts out by saying: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you!” Lately, I’ve been reminded of the depth of relationships Christians can have because we are “in Christ.”
We are in Christ. With God’s love, peace, and grace, our fellowship with one another should be a great source of joy in our loves. Richness, unity, and depth in relationships is possible because Christ has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
So I will say this: I’m thankful to God for all those who care for me. These include my parents, college friends, and church buddies who care for my spiritual and physical well-being. Thank you for your prayers and concern for my life. Glory to God!
Fellowship: what a foretaste of the consummation of the joy that we will experience when Christ returns!
John Piper and David Powlison, in applying Biblical truth to their battles with cancer, write:
John Piper: You will waste your cancer if you let it drive you into solitude instead of deepen your relationships with manifest affection.
When Epaphroditus brought the gifts to Paul sent by the Philippian church he became ill and almost died. Paul tells the Philippians, âHe has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was illâ? (Philippians 2:26-27). What an amazing response! It does not say they were distressed that he was ill, but that he was distressed because they heard he was ill. That is the kind of heart God is aiming to create with cancer: a deeply affectionate, caring heart for people. Donât waste your cancer by retreating into yourself.
David Powlison: Our culture is terrified of facing death. It is obsessed with medicine. It idolizes youth, health and energy. It tries to hide any signs of weakness or imperfection. You will bring huge blessing to others by living openly, believingly and lovingly within your weaknesses. Paradoxically, moving out into relationships when you are hurting and weak will actually strengthen others. âOne anotheringâ is a two-way street of generous giving and grateful receiving. Your need gives others an opportunity to love. And since love is always Godâs highest purpose in you, too, you will learn his finest and most joyous lessons as you find small ways to express concern for others even when you are most weak. A great, life-threatening weakness can prove amazingly freeing. Nothing is left for you to do except to be loved by God and others, and to love God and others.
