Philippians 4:15-17
Garth Brooks once said, “I got friends in low places” and while that might suggest they are not the best friends to have in life, the song seems to say how in various ups and downs in our journeys we need friends who give us life. Paul had those types of friends. He needed friends when he traveled, he needed friends when he was imprisoned, and he needed friends after he took a beating. He just needed people in his life he could count on. So think for a moment, who are those friends for you?
Paul explains that friendships that are based in Christ are special, they are partners, (v.15), they last over time (v.16), and they produce fruit or build up (v.17). Paul didn’t want friends in low places, he wanted friends who he could pour into and then know they would be friends for an eternity. He wanted friends he could help grow! Life-giving friendships are valuable, they were for Paul and they are for us. A life-giving friendship should at times give joy, encouragement, help, guidance, and many other things that fill our souls. Those types of relationships are ones we want to keep healthy and hold onto.
One unique aspect I want to talk about is in verse 17. Paul appreciated the support and gifts, but he had a different purpose. He says, “…but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” He wanted them to grow in faith, grow as disciples, and have eternal significance. In friendships, discipleship should be a vital part of the process. Our friendships should give us comfort, encouragement, and fun, but they should also make us more Christlike. Paul wanted his friends to have that opportunity in their support of him, which is so intentional and a really good model for us to follow. Where you can today, be a friend to someone. Be there in the low and high places, be there when you are needed and when you’re not, and help them live in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus. Praying God blesses you as you do!
Pastor Jeremy