Partnership in the Gospel

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

Philippians 1:1-11

The last few days I've had the opportunity to spend a few days back home in Wheaton. One of the highlights of being back is the chance to connect with some dear friends the Lord has blessed me with. Reading the 1st chapter of Philippians, I really resonate with these first 11 verses. The reason these friendships are such a joy, is that we are all sharing in the same mission (partners for the Gospel) and sharing in the same grace (tasting the same Gospel sweetness). It pumps me up to hear how God is at work in transforming us through the power of the Gospel. Talking with my brothers, I always leave, overwhelmed at God's infinite goodness, that he would redeem a bunch of rag-tag sinners, give us new hearts, and use us for His purposes. More so, He uses us collectively, as partners in the Gospel and in community to accomplish His purposes. My heart rejoices in thankfulness for the gift these brothers are to me. What a beautiful display of God's glorious grace, shown through the gift of Gospel-centered friendships. I can't wait to do life and serve in the ministry with these guys.