Philippians 4: Brothers & Sisters, Dear Friends, Co-Workers, True Companion

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!  I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.  Philippians 4:1-3

When I was young and inexperienced facing challenges and difficulties each day with work, finance and relationships etc., reading the 4 chapters of Philippians in the morning prepared me for the day.  Especially 4:13.  While reading this short book, my anxiety for the day would be gradually replaced with peace and joy.

This morning, I noticed a different thing while reading Chapter 4.  It’s the first 3 verses.  Paul called his fellow Christians in Philippi “my brothers and sisters I love and long for… my joy and crown… dear friends who are of the same mind in the Lord.  My true companion, who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.  My co-workers, whose names are in the book of life!  They were the objects of his joy and crown.  In other words, his focus was not on himself.

I pray that we become such friends as we live in these perilous times.  We be true companions to each other and co-workers working together in the advancement of the gospel.