Joy Is to Be Shared


2:17b-18 I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.


Paul ends this section with two references to sharing joy. Paul is joyful in the midst of suffering (remember he’s in chains) and shares his joy with the Philippians. He also urges the Philippians both to rejoice in their sufferings and to share their joy with him. 


Joy is meant to be shared. When God gives us real joy (not the kind that comes merely from pleasant circumstances, but from faith no matter what the circumstances), it is not merely something to be enjoyed. God gives joy in order that we might use it to encourage His people.


God’s people need joy. Each of us needs to be stirred up in the midst of this dark world to remember the light of Christ, to remember the hope that is ours through Him. And one of the means God gives to be renewed in the joy of Christ is through the faithful joy of His people.


When God gives you the precious gift of joy, it is His call to love, it is His call to look for ways you can use your joy to build up His children. As Paul says, "Rejoice...and share your joy!"


Heavenly Father, help me to abandon the idols which keep me from Your joy. It is only because there are earthly things I think I need that I am not constantly content and happy in Jesus Christ. Forgive me and help me to purify my heart. And, dear Lord, help me to become a channel of Your joy to Your precious people. As Paul said of Philemon, may it be said of me, "....the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother."