“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 1:3-5

In the first chapter of Paul’s letter to Philippi, reveals his heart of love for his friends in that city. Every time they come to his mind he thanks God for them, remembering with deep affection how they had partnered with him in the proclamation of the gospel. Paul had evangelized the city of Philippi during is second missionary journey. It would be helpful to take a few minutes to read Acts 16:11-40 for the background of Paul’s ministry there.

It is obvious from the reading of the first chapter of his letter to Philippi that the believers there held a very dear place in Paul’s heart. They had stood with Paul in his ministry, and also had contributed to Paul’s ministry financially.

Who comes to your mind as you read these words? Who are those individuals and families in your past who have made indelible impressions on you? Who are those who have been sources of encouragement and help during difficult times? Who are those who have rejoiced with you in times of rejoicing, and suffered with you in times of difficulty? Who are those who have laughed with you in times of celebration, and cried with you in times of loss? Who are those who have loved you enough to tell you the truth even when it was painful to hear, and those who extended mercy when it was the need of the hour?

As I have been thinking about this first installment in our walk with Paul as he corresponds with his friends in Philippi, my mind has been flooded with names of individuals who have impacted my life in tremendous ways. I actually started to list those names, but the list got much too long to even consider doing that. I also had the fear of leaving a name off the list, and I would sincerely hate to inadvertently miss someone. And, I assure you, as I have allowed that parade of individuals make their way through memories of the past, I have had a huge smile plastered across my face, thanking God for every remembrance of them.

There are those with whom I have worked in ministry: youth ministers, children’s ministers, associate pastors, worship leaders, etc. Then, there are multitudes of laypersons with whom I have been blessed to share in the joy of ministry. I cherish the memories of each of these individuals.

It is evident as we read through this very personal letter that Paul also had to deal with some problem areas of the church in Philippi. But, even those times of rebuke and reproof brought a sense of joy to Paul. Each experience was one through which God worked, and through which Paul could remember the presence and power of God working through him. What a powerful testimony to deep and abiding relationships Paul had made with believers in Philippi.

So, let’s move this discussion a little further. Are there those from your past that bring sadness and heartache when you remember them? Are there those whose remembrance causes pain, and brings bitterness and thoughts of revenge? It really amazes me to think that Paul could make this statement, especially in light of the harsh treatment he had received in Philippi.

It seems Paul had much in common with Joseph from the book of Genesis. After suffering terribly at the hands of his brothers, he did not seek revenge. As a matter of fact, at the end of the story, when his brothers feared that Joseph would finally get even, he simply reminded them that everything that had transpired had been part of God’s plan to save His people.

Paul could look back over his time in Philippi with rejoicing because everything that had happened there served God’s purposes. As we look back over our past, and our minds are flooded with those cherished memories of individuals who impacted and influenced us, let’s be sure to lift a prayer of praise to God for allowing us to cross paths with them.

I will close this first installment with the chorus of a song that truly sums up the sentiment conveyed by Paul in these opening words of his letter to Philippi:

Friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never ’cause the welcome will not end

Though it’s hard to let you go, in the Father’s hand we know

That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.

“Friends” by Michael W. Smith