Nothing Will Stop Him from Loving

"But God demonstrated his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

We don't feel good at all when we know we are unloved.  We don't feel much better when we aren't sure if we are loved. But what a difference it makes when we absolutely know that we are loved--when there has been a demonstration that proves it.

However, if we know we are loved because of our looks or our money or our performance, an insecurity lies just below the surface of those good feelings.  As good as it feels to be loved, we know we could lose it if accident, illness, bankruptcy or failure were to rob us of those things that endear us to others.

Needs Met

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:18-20  

Paul uses financial terms to express spiritual principles.  He is first eager to “credit to their account” (or affirm) their concern for his needs.  He is just as eager to let them know their gift was far more than a “full payment” for the ways he had poured himself out for them.  Not that Paul was expecting or demanding to be repaid, he simply wanted the disciples to see the working of an important spiritual principle:  When we give to meet the needs of others, God will amply supply our own needs (with interest).  In others words, we can never outgive God.  As Jesus put it, lose your life and you find it.

I Have Learned the Secret

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13  

One of the most memorized  lines in Philippians comes as Paul plucks words from the beliefs of his day and gives them entirely new meanings.  First he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  He uses the favorite word of every Stoic—the Greek word autarxia.  To the Stoic it meant “self-sufficiency or not needing a thing because I have mastered myself.”  Paul had something else in mind.

The Power of (Faithful) Thoughts

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable¾if anything is excellent or praiseworthy¾think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me¾put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

What kind of day did you have yesterday?  What kind of week have you had?  In what direction is your thinking tending to go?  Are you feeling positive and upbeat or negative and discouraged?  Ready to take on the world or head back to bed?  Paul’s message to you is this:  when you are “in the Lord” (back to vs. 4), you can always change your mind, and when you change your mind, everything changes.  If life is feeling like a heavy weight, if problems are threatening to overwhelm you, if the forecast offers little hope of sunshine, you can still set your mind on right and good things that will change the way you feel.