Together in Christ: 'Sweet Words We Need to Say!' — Philippians 1:3

Paul gives these words of tender affirmation to Christians in a good church facing a challenging time with some internal divisions. ^[1] Paul loved these brothers and sisters in Philippi, made a point to visit them when possible and let them support him financially as a partner. ^[2] He also used these Macedonian believers as an example of loving sacrifice and generosity while they faced difficult trials. ^[3]

We can find faults, failings, and disappointments in every group of believers. These problems should be addressed lovingly and in the context of what they are facing. ^[4] However, Satan wants us to use some faults in congregations and the believers who make up those congregations to "write them off" as viable, healthy, good churches. I've shared the problem with the congregation with whom I share spiritual life: They are all flawed people similar to me! None of us has arrived at perfection, so as Jesus said, we need to get the plank out of our eyes before worrying others about the sawdust in theirs. ^[5] Paul indicated that he did not consider himself to have arrived at the place he wanted to be as a follower of Jesus. ^[6]

My point is this: we need to affirm our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to tell them they are valued and appreciated. We should express our love for them and our thanks for their good deeds. The Philippians were far from perfect, but that did not stop Paul from expressing his love for them, appreciating their faithfulness, and rejoicing in his relationship with them. Just as God affirmed his relationship, love, and appreciation for His son, ^[7], we should do something similar with other believers. We can focus on catching people doing good, right, and faithful things instead of picking apart every little thing they do to find some flaw that makes us feel superior. ^[8] Bottom line: Who is someone you need to say, "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God"? I bet they need to hear that from someone just as much as you do!