Fruit that may Abound. Philippians 4:17. “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Although Paul used language similar to an accountant calculating profit and loss for a business, he was simply clarifying to the Philippian believers who were givers that their gifts were generating a spiritual profit. The gift he received from them served as evidence of their spiritual growth, understanding of God's will and work, and awareness of how to use their abilities for God and earn eternal rewards.
Giving what God has provided to those in need benefits both the giver and the receiver. The giver gains a deeper understanding and appreciation for what he has received from the Lord. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning (caused by turning).” This makes the gift an act of blessing to the giver because he knows it comes from God. It is also a blessing to the receiver, who sees it “as from the Lord.”
To the person who gives to the Lord to support His work, the gift is “fruit” (credit; dividends) placed into their account before God. The gift given and received in love is an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God. That makes it an act of worship. When a gift is given, the spirit of love and devotion is an expression that is appreciated probably more than the gift itself. The “investment value” is not as important as the “spiritual dividends” received by everyone involved in this exercise.
Everything we do has a ripple effect beyond just ourselves. The results of any effort we make to advance the kingdom of God may not be visible immediately. We miss out on blessings if, for some reason, we neglect to help our brothers and sisters on their journey home to glory. Lending help isn’t just for their current need, even if that’s why we initially gave the gift. The hand that reaches out to help will also receive approval from God, who gave us everything we have and considers what is given from the heart as “fruit” that will be placed into our account.
When we serve as a channel for God to supply the needs of His servants, He considers it a gift we give, even though it originates from Him. By being faithful stewards of what we have been entrusted with, we will eventually reap spiritual rewards from giving to those who serve Him faithfully. When we seek the well-being of others and help promote their growth, we become partners in the blessings they will receive. In this way, a spirit of love and devotion grows among everyone involved in this work, multiplying the value of the gift we provide.
The result of such interest and care in giving is reflected in the treasure stored in heaven. The one who receives the gift from your fellowship can use it effectively in their work, and you who give can be assured you did what was right. Both can rest confidently knowing the Lord's will has been accomplished, and now both can sleep in peace. The giver received the gift from God, who provided it first, and blessing came to them. Now, from them, it goes to quench another’s thirst, and fruit blooms in the lives of all involved. God must look on and smile at the growth of grace as both givers and receivers benefit from His fullness. He designed them to live by faith and to use the gift of “helps,” serving people in the church and for future service in His kingdom; they are now filled.
Our strength for living comes from Christ, who gives us the power to accomplish the "all things" He permits or directs for us. He provides the necessary grace for the tasks He assigns. The financial support Paul needed came to him while he was in prison, and he was able to complete the work assigned to him in that situation. When God supplies our needs through human means, it calls for our appreciation and acknowledgment. Money from the Philippians was sent to Paul more than once, and he made sure they knew he appreciated their gifts.