Philippians
2:27 KJV
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him;
and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
In chapter one[1]
Paul affirmed the struggle he had between life and death. That fact was he
personally desired to be with Christ (though he was careful to say that he knew
his life could be more needful for those on earth). Now here he speaks of
another, Epaphroditus, who faced death and Paul exclaims that God's mercy in
saving his life was not only toward him (he would likely have preferred to
depart and be with Christ) but to the Apostle who would have suffered the loss.
Not only did Paul believe his life was a benefit to others
but that the life of others was a benefit to him.
I also notice that Paul was not selfish with those he
obviously needed, for, though the death of Epaphroditus would have been a great
loss to Paul, to send him away that he might be a blessing to the church at Philippi was a joy to him. That I am thankful for
another's life does not mean that I must smother that life in my own need.
[1] Philippians 1:23 KJV, For I
am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ;
which is far better:
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