So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
Philippians 2:29-30 NIV
People have different things to do in the church...and some are in relative safety doing the sending and supporting, and some are in the front line, sometimes putting their lives at risk, often their health, and almost certainly their financial security.
And Paul recognises this and encourages the Philippians to look after Epaf.
For us, we need to look after our pastors and friends who are in the forefront of the battle.
Pay them.
Look out for them
Pray for them
Honour them
Welcome them home
Here Paul is encouraging others to encourage others...building an encouraging community :)
There may be times when we're at the front, and times when we're supporting, but we can all be encouragers...
#belikePaul
#encourageoneanother
...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus... Mark 2:3-4 NLT Great account of inventiveness and determination to get their friend to see Jesus. Love this. Do you wonder about the back story? Are these the same 4 people who bring this man food? Take him to the toilet every day. Clean him up. Does he live with one of them? Are they family? Are there whole families or groups of people in the background who have supported and cared for this man? A group of children who grew up seeing their parents love in action? Probably. Healing Help Hope These things are found in community. These 4 guys are the heroes here. The upfront people. One day it will be interesting to see who the background heroes are. #loveinaction #community #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark
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