It is always a cause to praise the Lord when we know the Lord’s people are sharing in the same grace of God that brought us together as one in Christ. But that grace goes even farther as we go forward in faith together. It is seen in the fellowship we have with each other, and also in the common bond of commitment to the furtherance of the Gospel.
Even though Paul was in chains in prison, the defense and confirmation of the Gospel continued. Adverse circumstances are not a hindrance to the grace of God. The Lord’s people at Philippi were together in the presentation of the Gospel by their fellowship and the different means they could use in communicating the truth. They were also united in spirit in the proclamation of the Gospel. Different people have different gifts and natural abilities which God can use today as well as then.
Paul was limited in the scope of his work for the Lord for the period of time he was in prison, but he used the opportunities he had. So did the Philippian believers where they were. They were of one mind in promoting the Gospel in their area of service. No wonder they were in his heart. These were people who had been saved when he brought the Gospel there. Now they are taking responsibility to further that same life-giving message. The love of Christ motivates us to pass on the Gospel, and it directs us to show and express our love and appreciation for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Gospel work may slow down because of hindrances, so the sharing of God’s grace in every aspect of our lives is strengthening in tough times. It is very important to be involved in the grace of the Gospel in whatever way we can.
