I Thank My God...

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3-6)

So begins Paul's letter to the Philippians - his most thankful and encouraging letter in the New Testament. It's a letter that in many ways stands contrary to Paul's other letters to communities who face challenges and hardships all their own. Yet, for as good as we might expect things to be in Philippi, most scholars believe that this letter was actually written to the poorest of the churches Paul established.

It is surprising then that at the end of the letter (Philippians 4:10-20) Paul includes such a long acknowledgement and thanksgiving of their gifts. Paul writes, You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. (4:15-17)

Paul accepted the gifts of the church at Philippi because he knew how important it was for them to give. He knew that this act was not for his sake but for theirs. Their commitment to the gospel "from the first day until now" was furthered by their openness to give to Paul.

As we prepare to share our commitments this Sunday, I encourage you to consider how the good news of Jesus Christ challenges you to Open Minds -- Open Hearts -- Open Hands. Your openness to making a commitment not only helps us prepare for new ministry opportunities next year; it helps us as a community to respond in love to the needs of those around us!