Philippians 1:6-8
Has anyone beside your girl/boyfriend or wife/husband, maybe
even a parent, told you that you have a special place in there life? That far exceeds someone calling you a friend;
in fact, the word friend, is as over used as the word love. It seems like everyone you meet wants
to be considered a friend, but is that friendship, or is friendship of greater value
than just a word? What are your
requirements for a friend?
In this part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is of
interest to see why he has them in his heart. They were partakers with Paul of
the grace of God. Paul was no
longer accepted in the circles of the priest or religious people in fact, he
was serving time in prison. It was
this group of Christians at Philippi who not only encouraged Paul with
financial support; they became defenders of the gospel, they became one in
heart with him.
Each of us hope those who call us friend, will be there for
us, but I’m not counting on many who claim to be my friend, to be there for me
when I’m no longer accepted by the social circles of this world, much less, if
I become a social outcast and end-up in prison. But these folks had become one in heart with Paul, he knew
who he could count on, and that is why verse eight has such a rich meaning to
those of us who have experienced such relationships with others of a like
heart. “For
God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
“A man of many companions may
come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs
18:24) When the bottom falls out
of your world, when the companions are no longer calling you friend; Jesus
Christ is the glue that will hold your world together.
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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