Joy

In His Name Devotionals
JOY

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3)

Though Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote to the Philippians, his mind was not bound. Often he reflected on his experiences with the Philippian Christians. As he did so, his thoughts turned to prayers of praise and thanksgiving for all the Lord had done through them.

No doubt Paul remembered when he preached in Philippi and God opened Lydia’s heart to believe the Gospel (Acts 16:13-14). Subsequently everyone in her household was saved (v 15). Surely her kindness and hospitality were bright spots in an otherwise stormy stay at Philippi.

He must also have remembered the demon-possessed girl whom the Lord delivered from spiritual bondage (v 18), and the Philippian jailer who threw Paul and Silas into prison after they had been beaten severely (vs 23-24). Perhaps the girl became part of the Philippian church—the text does not say. The jailer and his whole household were saved, after which they showed kindness to Paul and Silas by tending to their wounds and feeding them (vs 30-34).

The many financial gifts the Philippians sent to Paul were also fond memories for him because they were given out of love and concern. That was true of their present gift as well, which was delivered by Epaphroditus and went far beyond Paul’s need (Philippians 4:18).

Paul’s gratitude illustrates that Christian joy is enhanced in our lives by our ability to recall the goodness of others. A corollary is our ability to forgive shortcomings and unkindnesses. This goes against the grain of today’s “don’t get mad—get even” society, but is perfectly consistent with the compassion and forgiveness God has shown you. Therefore, be quick to forgive evil and slow to forget good.