“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”
Philippians 4:10-11 NLT
I have heard it said that Paul’s epistles were simply clever manipulations meant to beg for support as he was on his missions or locked away in prison. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul walks the important gamut of shepherding. This includes needing support while also giving it. For Paul, this is a holistic system. Both the giving and the taking are present. Yet he also has a theology that is present. The giving and the taking are important because the nature of a healthy organism includes it. However, that system is actually fed by the outside source of God’s providence. People can be confident in giving because God will provide them transcendent resources to do so. Likewise, they can be confident in taking because God is providing them transcendent resources to take freely. Things become difficult when we stop being hopeful and content in this process. Paul, in his contentment, could speak openly and freely about the whole spectrum because he knew he and the church of Philippi were provided for and that their was a right time to give and take. This is an important display for all believers in navigating how we can support each other and feel supported. Have faith in God’s providence and peace about accepting it.
JOSH McGARY. COM 