Relating to God’s People

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you … because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).

Paul thanks God for the fellowship of the saints; the koinonia — sharing together — that he and the Philippian church enjoyed as they walked together in faith. This fellowship in the gospel is like no other. It is powerful because it is born at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. Through him, men of many different quarters, tribes, and languages all come together as one body.

We read further: “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (1:8-10). Paul took delight in the partnership of his fellow believers —they had been true and consistent from the first day he met them. They had communicated with him and supported him when he was alone in prison, and he was deeply grateful. 

Paul was thanking God for his friends who had been consistent through the years. The Holy Spirit had knit their hearts together and they had become one in Christ. Paul wanted his love for these believers to abound more and more.

Likewise, today, the Lord wants his children to be in fellowship, to love and support each other. Not only will this strengthen our walk with him, but biblical community can be a powerful witness to the world.

Do you struggle to connect in relationships with fellow believers? I encourage you to look for opportunities to relate to God’s people in a new way. Not only can you give to others, but they can enrich your walk with the Savior — and together, you can create a strong bond of faith. The Lord will crown your efforts with his blessings “that your love may abound more and more.”