Your Care. Philippians 4:10. “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care for me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Paul received a financial gift from the assembly at Philippi, so he included an acknowledgment of that gift in this letter. The believers there were the first church established in Macedonia during his second missionary journey, and the first church we read about in Europe. When he went to Thessalonica, they supported him, but for some reason, they couldn't do so for quite a while. Finally, they sent Epaphroditus to him with their gift, which brought Paul great joy.
A church is responsible for supporting those who dedicate their time to preaching the Gospel and teaching the Lord’s people. It is the duty of these servants of the Lord to know how to receive the gift and use it faithfully as stewards of the Lord. The New Testament principle of supporting the Lord’s work does not suggest that a servant of the Lord was demeaned by being paid a salary to do what the people requested. He is the Lord’s servant. The distinction between clergy and laity is not supported in any way by Scripture.
Those who are called as evangelists, pastors, and teachers go to do the work for which they have been chosen “for His Name’s sake.” They trust the Lord to provide for their needs as He sees fit. The Lord cares for His followers through grateful Christians, but they are to “take nothing from the Gentiles (unbelievers).” The Lord’s servant should look to the Lord and communicate his needs to his Master, not to other people.
The other side of the issue is that believers who have received spiritual blessings from the Lord’s servant should show that benefit through their practical support. One relies on God for support, while the other gives to God as an act of gratitude from their hearts in appreciation for what has been done for them. It also demonstrates interest in what is happening currently in the great harvest field.
In this way, both the giver and the receiver are blessed by God and rejoice in the Lord, who provides us all generously from His storehouse of grace and gladly accepts what little we offer Him. He distributes what has been given so that everyone involved can rejoice in the Lord, knowing they are part of God's work that extends far beyond an individual’s ability to meet their needs.
There are many ways we can show our care for other saints who love the Lord and want to serve Him. It is part of spiritual family life to be aware of the needs and wants of others so that those who, for some reason, find themselves in narrow straits can be reasonably comfortable while they watch and wait for relief. Sometimes, you may reach out to help someone, and then you find circumstances hindering you, or you’re in need yourself. Because there may be limitations that stop us at one time, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared to meet their needs again.
We do not always know the needs many people have. Some needs we recognize and address; for others, we should wait, trusting that the Spirit of God will prompt us to act when the time is right. The God who cares for flowers and birds can reveal to me, in His own time and in His own way, how I can help. Meanwhile, it’s important to stay attentive to the Spirit’s guidance. It’s perfectly right for me to prepare in advance for upcoming needs so I can meet them. If I genuinely care for others and rely on God’s help, I will be ready when the opportunity arises to show my care; my cupboard is not empty.
It is important for me to understand the difference between needs and wishes, and then set aside some of what God has given us when He blesses us. I do not need a lot at once, but undoubtedly darker days are coming for others beyond ourselves, whom God, through us, is providing for. Be ready and willing to show your care; saints all around this world face times of serious hardship by remaining faithful to the Lord. The Lord can open doors to help; it may be in a moment of time, and through your care, some needs are met, and God’s grace shines brightly.