Philippians 4:1-3
"Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel..."
"My brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown..." I love these words! Have you ever considered that your brothers and sisters are you joy? As soon as we become Christians, God already placed great joy within us, and along with all the saints we become the joy of brothers and sisters. You have a new family in God; your physical family can give you comfort and happiness, but the spiritual family can give you greater comfort and happiness! No matter where you are, you may enjoy the warmth and joy that your spiritual family brings you. I enjoyed warmth from the family in the Lord back in Taipei Bread of Life Church, and after I came to the US, whether it's in Philadelphia, DC or even an American church in Paradise, Pennsylvania, I also enjoyed the happiness of being together in the Lord. No matter where I go, I get to know brothers and sisters who love the Lord and love others, and it keeps my spiritual life grewing.
Therefore, we must give thanks for the brothers and sisters around us. We give thanks for those we can collaborate with easily, but we also thank God for those we can't get along with. In this passage, Paul pleaded with Euodia and Syntyche to "agree with each other in the Lord." They both love the Lord and they collaborated with Paul, but they couldn't accept each other. Paul encouraged them that no matter what happened, they should be joyful because both of their names are in the book of life, and be joyful because they were blessed to be each other's brother in Christ. My children sometimes fight with each other at home, but no matter how severe is the argument, they are still sisters, and in difficult times they still depend on each other. The brothers and sisters in the Lord are truly blessings that God has given us in Christ.
Do you give thanks for the brothers and sisters around you? Which ones agree with you and which ones don't? Bring each of them before the Lord and bless them with prayer. You will appreciate how preciously these brothers and sisters and they will become your joy!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord Jesus, I thank you because you have placed many brothers and sisters around me to support and help me. I experience your love through their love; I experience your companionship through your presence; I experience how you shape me through going through hardship with them. Lord, I am willing to call them my joy. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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