Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Philippians 2:19-30

Philippians 2:19-30 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  If you have a scarcity mentality, you hoard your resources.  Convinced that there won't be enough, you keep everything close to the vest, afraid that you will end up lonely and surrounded by nothing.
  If, however, you have a theology of abundance, you share wildly and freely, convinced that there is plenty and that you need not fear giving something away, because there is more.
  Here is Paul, sending Timothy, sending Epaphorditus, sending his closest friends to these churches in the hopes of forming and strengthening community.  Paul doesn't prevent them from going because he's afraid they'll wander off and not come back -- Paul sends them because he believes that the church is entrusted with such riches of personalities that any potential to share gifts can strengthen then entire church, to the benefit of all.
  How do you treat your resources?  Do you share them widely?  Do you willingly connect friends with other friends, looking for ways that gifts might be shared and people might encourage one another?  Or do you hold back, trying to keep yourself at the center, afraid that people might go on and forget you?
  We're a part of a wondrous community of faith, filled with people of every different shape and color and gift.  Let us celebrate and look for ways to connect one another, strengthening the bonds that tie us to one another.

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