Paul’s warmth and affection are overflowing in his greeting to the Philippians: “I have you in my heart!”
Why were they so close to his heart? One reason he gives is, “you all are partakers of grace with me” (1:7).
Let’s think about this phrase, “partakers of grace.” As you know,Paul opens and closes his letter to the Philippians with the prayer of “grace to you” (1:2, 4:23). But here he reminds them that they’re already partakers or fellow-sharers of grace with him. What did he mean?
He seems to be referring to their gracious gift to him—the one Epaphroditus delivered to Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome awaiting trial (4:18). Paul had been leaning heavily on the Lord’s grace during his time of need. When the Philippians’ gift and accompanying expressions of love and care arrived, it became clear to Paul that they were involved in the whole grace process—they had become fellow-sharers and participants in the Lord’s grace to him.
It seems fitting to draw from this that we have the opportunity to be fellow-sharers in the whole process of the Lord’s grace in another person’s life. Or not. Remember that Paul cited the Philippians as distinct in their partnership with him (4:16). The others had not acted on their opportunities. Oops!
So…
Has the Lord placed in my path today someone with whom I can be a fellow-sharer of the Lord’s grace?
How will I be a fellow-sharer of the Lord’s grace with that person?
Blessings,
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