Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. (Phil. 4:14)
Expanded Passage: Philippians 4:14
There’s a saying I use from time to time: “Not my circus, not my monkeys.” It’s another way of saying, “That’s not my problem.” We don’t like to take on the problems of other people. As far as we’re concerned, we have enough of our own issues.
However, Paul said something to the Philippian church that I find interesting. He told them it was good to share in his troubles. In Christian community, we have a consistent call to live life together, to share our burdens. The first-century church modeled this well, but somewhere along the way, we seem to have stopped following their example. Perhaps sharing troubles became inconvenient, or we became too busy. Perhaps pride kept us from being honest with one another.
To be fair, this level of sharing is not an easy way to live in community with one another. We like the fun parts, celebrating and encouraging others, but to share the hard things often requires more from us than we are willing to give. But Paul knew that there was benefit in this way of living. Sharing troubles produces selflessness and leads to spiritual maturity, which is why Paul called it good. Maybe it’s time to shift our perspective and learn to live in the good of sharing in our troubles.
Support someone in their troubles, and share your troubles with a friend.
Deborah Rhodes is the colead pastor of Parkside Church in Greenville, South Carolina. She is passionate about studying and teaching God’s Word.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
