June 08 2026

Monday June 08

A Burden for Others

Philippians 2:26-27

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we are continuing in Philippians chapter 2, looking specifically at verses 26–27. We are talking about Epaphroditus, a wonderful servant of God from Philippi who was in Rome ministering to the Apostle Paul. We are going to find in this passage that he became very sick and almost died. When we think about Epaphroditus, we are reminded of the four illustrations Paul gives us in Philippians 2 about being a servant, being a surrendered person, and having a submissive mind—the mind of Christ. Of course, the first and greatest example is Christ Himself. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He surrendered the glories and privileges of heaven, came down to earth as a human being, and became a servant.

I am amazed at the many times in the book of Acts that Jesus is called God’s Servant, the Servant of God. As you look through Scripture and history, you see men like Moses. When Moses died, God referred to him in Joshua 1 as “Moses My servant.” Then, at the end of the book of Joshua, when Joshua died, God referred to him as His servant, Joshua. Oh, my friend, great men and women of God are people who make themselves servants of God and serve Him by serving others.

It is also what the Apostle Paul did. That is what Timothy did. And now we see it in the life of Epaphroditus as we read verses 26 and 27: “Since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

Think about this for a moment. Epaphroditus was the one who was sick. In fact, he nearly died. Yet he was not primarily concerned about himself. He was concerned that the Philippians were worried about him. What an incredible spirit! Most of us naturally focus on ourselves when we are hurting, suffering, or sick. We are often not thinking about what others might be going through because of our illness. But Epaphroditus was different. His concern remained fixed on others.

This reminds us of Jesus in Gethsemane. Even while facing the cross, Jesus thought about His disciples. Even while dying on Calvary, He thought about His mother. As a matter of fact, the word translated “distressed” in verse 26 is very significant. Some translations render it “full of heaviness.” This is the exact same Greek word used to describe Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:37: “…He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed His spirit was exceedingly heavy.” The burden was so great that Jesus sweat great drops of blood.

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Oh, my friend, we see something of that same spirit in Epaphroditus. Even in his sickness, even when he was near death, his heart was burdened for the believers back in Philippi. He worried because they were worrying about him. But then we read these wonderful words: “God had mercy on him.” God had mercy on Epaphroditus.

What a reminder that we are in God’s hands. Even in suffering and sickness, God is sovereign over our health. Notice that the passage does not say Paul healed him. Paul had been used by God to perform miracles. There were times when even handkerchiefs associated with Paul were used by God to bring healing. Yet that is not what happened here. The Scripture simply says, “God had mercy on him.”

God is sovereign over our health. God is sovereign over our circumstances. God is sovereign over our future. Sometimes God heals. Sometimes He sustains us in the midst of our sickness. But God is always faithful. He will never allow us to suffer beyond His purposes for our lives, and He will always provide the grace we need for every trial.

Today, perhaps you are carrying a burden. Maybe you are facing an illness. Maybe you have come to a place of discouragement in your life. I want you to know that just as God had mercy on Epaphroditus, God has not forgotten you. He knows your need today. He knows your suffering. And even in the midst of your suffering, God can still use you to encourage others through your service. What a wonderful blessing to know that God has a perfect plan, even in the midst of sickness and hardship.

You can bless others with your prayers. You can bless others with your compassion, your concern, and your encouragement.

Let’s pray. Father, thank You for Your mercy and Your faithfulness every day. Help us to think of others even during our difficult seasons. Strengthen those who are hurting today, and use them for Your glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!