August 05 2026

Wednesday August 05

Every Saint Matters

Philippians 4:21

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we begin our final three studies in the wonderful book of Philippians. What a journey this has been! As we come to Paul's closing words, we might be tempted to read quickly through them, thinking they are simply greetings and farewells. But even in these closing verses, the Holy Spirit has important truths for us. Paul writes in Philippians 4:21: "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you."

The very first word that catches my attention is the word "every." Paul does not simply say, "Greet the church," or "Greet the leaders." He says, "Salute every saint." That tells us something about the heart of this great apostle. Paul loved people. Throughout this letter we have seen his affection for the believers at Philippi. In chapter 1 he called them his partners in the Gospel. He thanked God for them every time he remembered them. He prayed for them with joy. In chapter 2 he encouraged them to be of one mind and to esteem others better than themselves. In chapter 4 he thanked them for their generous gift and their faithful support of his ministry. Now, as he closes the letter, he wants every believer to know they are remembered.

Isn't that just like our Lord? Jesus never overlooked individuals. He stopped for blind Bartimaeus while others tried to silence him. He noticed Zacchaeus sitting in a tree when everyone else saw only a tax collector. He spoke with the woman at the well when others would have avoided her. He stopped to take time for the lady that had an issue of blood who had touched the helm of His garment from behind when a large crowd was pressing in on Him. His disciples saw a crowd, but He saw one needy person. He welcomed little children when the disciples thought they were unimportant. Our Savior never saw people as interruptions. He saw them as souls. Paul had learned that same heart.

Notice also the word "saint." In our world, many people think a saint is someone who has lived an extraordinary life and is honored centuries after death. But in the New Testament, every believer in Jesus Christ is called a saint. The word simply means "one who has been set apart for God." It is not a title we earn. It is a position we receive when we trust Christ as our Savior. That means if you know Jesus today, you are one of God's saints. Not because you are perfect. Not because you have never failed. But because you have been made holy through the finished work of Jesus Christ. I have often reminded people that God does not see us merely as we were. He sees us in Christ. What a wonderful truth!

Then Paul writes, "The brethren which are with me greet you." Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was chained to a Roman soldier. He was separated by hundreds of miles from the believers in Philippi. Yet the fellowship of God's family could not be broken by prison walls or great distances. Other believers were serving beside Paul, and they wanted their love conveyed to these Christians in Philippi. What a beautiful picture of the family of God.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting believers in many different places around the world. Most recently, our mission team experienced this again in Guatemala. Though we spoke different languages and came from different cultures, we immediately recognized something we had in common. We belonged to the same Savior. We were members of the same family. There is a bond among God's people that cannot be explained by nationality, language, or background. It is the fellowship we have in Jesus Christ. Perhaps that is one reason Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake assembling ourselves together. We need one another. We encourage one another. We strengthen one another. We pray for one another. The Christian life was never intended to be lived alone.

As I read this verse, I cannot help but ask myself a simple question. Do people know that I care about them? Paul's concern for "every saint" challenges me. It reminds me to notice people who may otherwise be overlooked. The elderly saint who faithfully attends church. The young believer who is just beginning to grow. The widow who quietly serves. The missionary faithfully laboring far from home. The pastor who faithfully preaches week after week. Every saint matters because every saint matters to Christ.

Perhaps today the Lord is laying someone on your heart. Why not call them? Send them a note. Write them a text. Pray for them. Encourage them. You never know how much a simple word of kindness may strengthen a fellow believer. After all, that is exactly what Paul is doing here. Even in the closing words of his letter, he is encouraging God's people.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for making us part of Your family through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You that every believer is precious in Your sight. Help us never to overlook those around us who need encouragement. Give us hearts that love people as Jesus loved them. Help us to strengthen, pray for, and encourage one another as we await the day when we will all gather together in Your presence. We ask this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

God bless, and you have a wonderful, wonderful day.