Care About Your Epaphroditus

Philippians 2:25–30 (NKJV)

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Philippians 2:25-30

Paul moves from promising to send Timothy to Philippi to explaining that is was necessary to also send Epaphroditus to them. He had been a messenger to Paul from Philippi, and he fell ill while visiting Paul. The Philippians were very worried about him and Paul felt the need to send him back to them so that they could see that he was well and be reunited with his friends. He encouraged them to receive him with gladness, holding him in high esteem. Epaphroditus nearly gave his life for the sake of the gospel. He also ministered to Paul in ways the other Philippians could not.

When someone serves the kingdom of God well, they deserve some credit. Not to puff them up with pride, but rather to encourage and motivate is the reason for praise. Recognize those who serve well. Recognize others’ sacrifices and generosity. Care about others’ suffering, and then minister to them in their time of trouble. When we care about one another, everyone gets what they need and others give to their brothers and sisters in need. Those who are weak are helped by those who are strong. The poor are provided for by those who are wealthy. Care about your fellow Christians. Don’t cause undue concern on the behalf of others. God wants us to be selfless and caring. That is the way of the Way. Care about your Epaphroditus. Don’t make your brothers back in Philippi worry too much about you. Care about one another and be like Christ!

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