Paul

was a contented Christian. Yes, he could put up with all kinds of

things (good and bad), in Christ’s strength. Still, everyone needs

a little help from friends now and then. And there is nothing wrong

with admitting that.

The

Philippians had helped Paul by supplying him with some money, and

perhaps some food and clothing, on more than one occasion. That did

not go unnoticed, and Paul did not pretend that he didn’t need the

help, or that he would have been just fine without it. Paul admitted

that it was kind and helpful of the Philippians to send their gifts

to him.

He

even said that the Philip­pians did a better job than some other

congregations he had worked with. Here it seems that Paul was

engaging in a bit of back-handed shaming toward those other churches,

and this may be surprising to us.

But

from earlier in this letter we know where Paul was coming from. It’s

not that he was begging for money or trying to manipulate anyone. For

Paul, generosity was clearly a part of the whole Jesus package.

Living generous lives shows that we “get it” when it comes to the

gospel. In response to God’s amazing grace, we give too! And Paul

dearly wanted everyone to under­stand this—because getting

Jesus right is the most important thing in the whole universe!