Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:26–28 “For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.”
“Don’t worry about me, tell me how you are doing.”
Have you heard this from a friend or relative who has a very serious illness? Somehow in the midst of their challenge, they are still more concerned about others than themselves.
In fact, at times, individuals choose not to share their illness or challenge with people they care about because they don’t want those people to worry or be concerned about them.
We can banter about whether this is the right thing to do or not, but it is a strong characteristic of a godly friend who continues to hold the interest of others, even when they are going through challenges in life themselves.
In these verses, the Apostle Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus, a faithful servant and companion in the gospel. Epaphroditus had become ill and as a result almost died. This event impacted Paul and also word made it back to Philippi and the Christians there were concerned for his well being (after all, he had traveled to Rome on their behalf to care for Paul.)
Not only was Epaphroditus willing to sacrifice to travel to Rome, but he continued to serve Paul, even in the midst of a severe illness.
Epaphroditus’ dedication is commendable. He continued to serve his friend Paul, even when he wasn’t feeling well.
God had intervened. “But God had mercy on him.”
Have you ever felt like God preserved a person to be your friend because you need him or her in your life for a while yet? It seems like God preserves Epaphroditus’ life because he knows Paul needs help from him AND the Philippian Christians needed to hear from him.
Remember that God is always the orchestrator behind godly friendships. God knew Paul’s vulnerability and knew that he needed Epaphroditus. It would have been “sorrow upon sorrow” if Paul had lost Epaphroditus. God preserved him.
Again we see in Epaphroditus a compelling portrait of what it means to be a godly friend. Epaphroditus was distressed not primarily for himself, but because others were worried about him. His heart was outward-facing, concerned for the peace and comfort of fellow believers. In his suffering, his thoughts turned to others, a rare and Christ-like quality.
A godly friend, then, is one who is both compassionate and transparent. They carry the burdens of others and allow others to carry theirs. They are unafraid to enter into the mess of life, not to fix, but to stand with, to pray, to encourage, and to reflect Christ’s love.
Godly friends walk side by side through challenges and rejoice hand in hand when the Lord delivers from that challenge. The blessing is God allows Christian friends to serve in both roles: To walk with us through challenges and rejoice for us when the challenge is lifted by a merciful God.
Application: Check Your Compassion: Are you more concerned about your own image, comfort, or convenience than you are about the wellbeing of others? A godly friend learns to put others first, not to earn favor with God, but in response to the mercy they’ve already received.
Prayer: Lord, give us a heart like Epaphroditus who, in spite of his failing health, kept you and your people at the center of his heart. Allow us to always be a godly friend who carries the burdens of others, trusting you are carrying our burden for us! AMEN