Released Through Grace and Love

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also." Philippians 2:19-24 ESV

Paul is in prison - as is generally thought - at least in house arrest in his first imprisonment. He has every indication in his spirit that he will be released. (1:19) So until that time comes, he is looking forward to sending Timothy to them so he can find out about their welfare.

He can send Timothy because Timothy is genuinely concerned for them. He has no other motive in his heart that to love them and be concerned for them. He is not trying to build his ministry, not trying to impress them or Paul, but simply a sweet spirit to minister Christ's life to them. Timothy genuinely loves them.

"For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." These words cut my heart. Most of us, well let's be honest, all of us - know what it is to seek our own interests. In fact, most of our lives are wrapped here. What a wonderful journey in Christ -- to be delivered from such self-seeking! As we begin to experience this release through His grace and love, we begin to experience embracing His people in love, because we have no motives about our relationships with them, except seeking those that are of Christ for them and to them. We begin, in His love, to experience such other-love. As we embrace that release more and more, we discover the joy of belonging together.


Timothy had that experience. He was a true child in the faith to Paul as he served in such heart and other-love. He could be sent in Paul's place. This was joy in Paul. He knew he would see them before long, for he felt in his spirit he would be released shortly. However, Timothy could go in the meantime.


Thank you Lord, for the record of Timothy for our encouragement.