25 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. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 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. 28 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. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 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.
~ What examples do you find in this passage of love and unity among believers? How do the parties involved show selfless affection towards each other?
~ Consider: How far are you willing to go for the work of Christ? What example has been set for you in this passage? What things might you need to surrender to God in order to follow this example?
How far am I willing to go? I keep hearing the song "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin in my head. I'd like to believe that's how I live my life. But then it comes to the part that says "if this life I lose, I will follow you." When I start considering that, it really hits me hard. yes, metaphorically, I can lose my life to work for Christ. But then I think about Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus and all they endured for the Gospel. They were willing to lay their lives down for our Savior. Saying it with my mouth is one thing, but to truly be convicted of this is another. If put in a situation where I had to die for my beliefs - would I? Really? To be a Christian means to live courageously - no question about it.
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