Young People's Group

Learning to Deeply Appreciate the Care of Others

by Mitchell Tan
May 02, 2019

PAUL’S EXAMPLE IN DEEPLY APPRECIATING GIFTS

The apostle Paul is a very good example of how we should receive gifts from people. He showed through his writing how deeply appreciative he was of the gift given to him. The Philippian Church had given to Paul lo on three occasions. First, they gave to him when he was departing from Macedonia (Philippians 4:15). Second, when he was in Thessalonica, they sent a gift for his necessities (Philippians 4:16). Third, when Paul was in prison, they gave another special gift. He had an exceptional heart that was grateful and thankful for what was given to him.

1. REJOICING IN THE CARE GIVEN BY PEOPLE

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again”
Philippians 4:10

Paul had a great sense of joy in his heart as he experienced the care of the Philippians again. He found “mega” joy in the Lord Jesus for what He was doing in the life of the Philippians. Their giving towards Paul was His obvious work. Paul was able to see their thoughtfulness as they cared.

2. FELLOWSHIPPING THROUGH GIVING

“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”
Philippians 4:14

The apostle also saw how the Philippians were able to fellowship with him in his time of distress through their giving. He commended the Philippians on this matter. They were able to encourage him and fellowship with him through their gift.

3. SEEING GIFTS FROM PEOPLE AS FRUIT

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”
Philippians 4:17

Paul’s focus was not on the reception of goods from the Philippians. It was on seeing them bearing more fruit through their deeds of love. Paul did not see such giving as in vain. The Philippians’ gift to Paul would be remembered by the Lord.

4. HAVING DEPTH OF APPRECIATION

“Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”
Philippians 4:18

A. DEEP GRATITUDE

Paul was able to speak of having all that he needed in life. He was contented with whatever state that he was in. He had learnt to be dynamic and satisfied with what he had and was going through in life (Philippians 4:12). Through this gift, he was full of gratitude for the Philippians. He saw himself as having all that he needed and was still abounding. His heart had fullness of appreciation for the gift from the Philippians.

B. WELL PLEASING TO GOD

When Paul received the gift from Epaphroditus, he saw it as a special sacrifice to God. This imagery would be a reference to the sacrifices that were offered to the Lord on a daily basis (Exodus 29:41). They were to produce a sweet aroma to the Lord. What the Philippians gave proved to be a gift that produced a “sweet smelling aroma” to Him. It was seen as an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to Him.

Let’s also learn to appreciate deeply the many things that have been given to us. It is easy for us to take gifts for granted. Let’s learn from Paul’s example to appreciate and be thankful for all that we have been blessed with. Let’s learn to have a heart of deep appreciation.

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