Philippians 4:15-20
Giving

You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

New Revised Standard Version

At the end of his letters, Paul always would figuratively step out from the pulpit and express more of his human self. Part of this was good form in letter writing at that time, where the closing would affirm it truly was the author writing the letter as demonstrated by personal details.

One of those personal details Paul reveals here is his constant optimism, and the Source of that optimism, his faith in Jesus. Paul writes uplifting, encouraging messages to the church in Philippi, so much so that we can forget that he write this letter from house arrest in Rome.

The purpose for this letter was in response to a monetary gift this church had sent to Paul, carried by a church member named Epaphroditus. Paul takes the opportunity while Epaphroditus is there to write a letter to send back with him, passing along encouragement, instruction, and gratitude.

Even as he is thanking the church at Philippi for their gift, he teaches them and us to thank God, and he shares that optimism that drives his ministry. He, in essence, says thank you for money to buy food and housing, but even those "necessities" aren't necessary. In the verses just before these, he notes that he's been hungry before, and he will be hungry again. He's been broke before, and while he isn't now, thanks to their generosity, he knows he will be broke again.

His point was that the purpose of their giving should not be the benefit obtained by the earthly recipient. When Paul writes "I seek the profit that accumulates to your account," he's telling us all that the reason for giving is not the good we do, or the thanks we get from the recipient, but the thanks we get from God. We can think our gift changes those who receive it, but Paul knew how giving changes those who give, exercising our faith in God, putting our priorities in the right order, and growing our dependence on God for daily guidance.

When we give "to the least of these", Jesus taught, we're giving to God. In return, God, who gave up his own Son for us, will always give us back abundantly the blessings we need to have a fulfilled, joyous life.