As Paul faced the difficulties of imprisonment, he was more concerned about the people in Ephesus than he was about himself. Rather than keeping Tychicus close at hand for his personal benefit, Paul sent him back to bless the people in Asia Minor. Even in his times of difficulty and danger, Paul was more concerned to bless than he was to be blessed. Isn't that a great example to us today? We often get upset about minor inconveniences, and let our being upset ruin our attitude toward everyone around us. Paul's example should convict us and lead us to be a blessing to others regardless of our circumstances.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Father, please forgive me for letting my difficulties ruin my attitude. I want to be a blessing to others regardless of my personal circumstances. Convict me with your Spirit when I begin to focus too much on myself and my personal situations. Expand my heart with your grace so that I can use my inconveniences, problems, struggles, and challenges to be opportunities to share and display your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will....."
"[After accusing his audience of being ignorant of who Jesus was and killing him, Peter continued,] "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that....."
![Illustration of Ephesians 6:22 — I am sending him [Tychicus] to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/2691.jpg "Illustration of Ephesians 6:22 — I am sending him [Tychicus] to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.")
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