Listen

I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. I have good reason to think this way about all of you because I keep you in my heart. You are all my partners in God’s grace, both during my time in prison and in the defense and support of the gospel. God is my witness that I feel affection for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6-8

Think

Who are your “Philippians?” Sorry, let me ask that another way: Who are your “ride or die” friends, the ones who would do anything for you?

In the midst of Paul’s opening prayer, he gives a shout out to his “partners in God’s grace” that have supported him through thick (spreading the Gospel) and thin (prison).

Responding to God’s call can feel isolating and even lonely. Often, as we sense God leading us to take risks of love, we also sense the fears that hold us back from responding faithfully, fears that often look like the risk of loneliness, abandonment, even rejection. Fortunately, the script God is writing with your life also calls for “supporting actors,” friends of God who will offer encouragement, advice, and assistance as you respond to God’s call.

But never forget that you are also someone else’s “Philippian,” a “partner in God’s grace” to those around you who are seeking encouragement and support as they, too, search for the strength to respond to God’s call on their lives.

Dave McNeely

Pray

God, I thank you that you have not left me alone on this peacemaking journey.

Give me the eyes to see those whom you have sent to support and encourage me on this challenging path. And help me to extend such support and encouragement to those around me who need grace-grounded partners.

Amen.

Go

As your feet walk down the path of peace,

May your heart remain open to receive peace,

And your hands remain open to offer peace.

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