Together in Christ: 'A Special Thank You' — Philippians 1:7-8

Monday, December 23, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 1:7-8 NLT

Key Thought

Paul's words in today's verses express our feelings for you. You have a special place in our hearts. You are partners with us in sharing the Good News of Jesus. Our love for you is genuine and tender. Thank you for your friendship, partnership, and shared faith in Jesus!

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Paul reminded his friends in Philippi that their financial support, [1] friendship, and prayers meant that they were full partners in sharing the message of Jesus with all those Paul touched with his ministry. [2] Paul's words also help us understand that when we help others in ministry, then we are full partners with those ministries. Their work is our work. So, let's help support good works that share the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

As we close this note of thanks, please receive Paul's loving encouragement to the Philippians as our message to you today:

Every time [we] think of you, [we] give thanks to [our] God. Whenever [we] pray, [we] make [our] requests for all of you with joy...
 
Therefore, [our] dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. [We] love you ..., dear friends, for you are [our] joy and the crown [we] receive for [our] work. [3]

Please receive our thanksgiving and prayers for you to have a blessed Advent and Christmas season and a fantastic start to the New Year as we love and serve the Lord together!

[1] The group of believers in Philippi was one of the few groups that Paul allowed to support his ministry financially: Philippians 1:1-7, 4:15-17.
[2] Philippians 1:5.
[3] Philippians 1:3-4, 4:1.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, we recognize that whatever "is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from"  [A] You, our loving Father. We thank You for the people in our lives who lovingly support and encourage us and pray for us. We also thank You that we are able to partner with others in ministry, people doing great things to share Your Good News of Jesus with the world. We pray for those ministries and ask You, dear Father, to empower every good deed they do through the Holy Spirit and block any move they might attempt that does not honor You, bless Your people, or reach out to the lost. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Who is our message, hope, and joy. Amen.

[A] James 1:17.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 1:1-11
  • Philippians 4:10-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Philippians 1:7-8 NLT — So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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