Of fruit on our account

"You also know, Philippians ; At the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no assembly has communicated anything to me, as to giving and receiving, except you alone ; Already in Thessalonica, once, and even twice, you have sent me for my needs; It is not that I seek a gift: I seek fruit that abounds for your account." Philippians 4: 15-17

The apostle Paul kept very good memories of the assembly at Philippi (Phil 1: 3). He wishes to see the Philippians again (Phil 1: 5, 26), but is imprisoned in Rome. He writes to them to inform them of his situation and to exhort them to remain united among themselves and devoted in the work of the Lord. He took this opportunity to express his gratitude for the gift Epaphroditus had brought from them.

The Philippians had already shown their communion in the service of Paul for the Gospel. They had also shown their solicitude in his trials. They knew that the apostle trusted the Lord in all aspects of his life, but they nevertheless supported him with their gifts. Paul was glad because he saw in them a proof of their love (Phil 4: 15).

Achieving this unity in service is essential to be mutually encouraged, today as in the past. The apostle expresses it with these words : "I seek fruit" (Phil 4:17). Of what fruit was it, and for whom did the apostle seek it ?

The Epistles relate several results of the Apostle's efforts to spread the Gospel, but here it is another fruit: every time the Philippians prayed for him, each time they sent him a gift, the Lord Increased their spiritual "account". The fruits produced were brought to their "active" and came to increase their "treasures in the sky" (Matthew 6:20).

We are grateful that servants of the Lord are working today in the same spirit as Paul. Should we question the share of our support in the fruits produced by their work ? These fruits are to the glory of God, which makes them grow; Labor is provided by those who plant or water (1 Corinthians 3: 7). But we can look forward to participating with our financial support.

Source (To pleasing the Lord)