Philip Dampier's Blog

Chapter 4, Verse 17 “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Paul needed the gift and was thankful for the gift but his real joy was in seeing the growth of the Philippian church’s faith. What they did was a major help to Paul as he had indicated but it was not the main cause of Paul’s happiness. He loved the brethren in Philippi and wanted and prayed for their faith to grow even in the most difficult of times.

It is a blessing to receive help but it is a larger blessing to be willing to help. Their willingness when others were shy was full of spiritual blessings for Paul as well as them.

Task for Today: Often Christians find it difficult to accept a gift from another Christian. Someone tries to help us and we turn them down. Not because we don’t need the help but we find it hard to be on the helped side of the equation. We are perfectly willing to help others and receive the helper blessing but keep others from knowing that blessing themselves. Next time a Christian tries to help you, accept the gift and thank them. Don’t rob them of their joy by being independent.