For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Who do you feel the closest to? Why do you feel this way about these people? In this first chapter of his letter, Paul expressed his love and care for the Philippian church. He felt close to them, not because they had grown up together or even because they were close in proximity. Paul felt close to them because they partnered with him from afar to share the hope of the gospel. Paul was not a super Christian who was uniquely equipped to share with others, rather he expressed that each of them were equipped with God’s grace to join in and partner on this venture.

Many of us wrongly count ourselves out for ministry. Maybe we haven’t felt a clear calling; we are trying to figure out our faith; or we just don’t know what to do. Serving God is not exclusive to paid staff at a church or missionaries far away, it is something all Christians are called to and equipped for. The church comes together, pursuing growth in God’s likeness and sharing His hope with others. Young or old, rich or poor, you have been equipped by God to partner with the believers around you. Like a team bonding over a hard-fought game, we partner and bond together as believers as we persevere in every season for the sake of Christ. We have been called by God together, and He will strengthen and equip us together for His mission.

• Who are some people you have partnered with to serve God? How close are you to them? How could you minister more effectively together?
• Why is it important that we are not focused primarily on a “me and Jesus” isolated way of living?
• Pray and ask God to grow your relationships with those who you serve with.