For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:16-19
Imagine walking into an exclusive store with one of the wealthiest men on the planet. Picture the person you are with picking out something that costs a staggering amount of money. Then ask yourself this question: would you offer to help him pay for the purchases? Of course not because you are fully aware that he already has all of the resources he needs for anything he desires. He does not need your help and would probably think you had an ulterior motive for offering it.
God needs our help even less than a billionaire does. All of the resources and wealth in existence ultimately belong to Him. “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 50:12). Everything that we have is a result of His grace and provision, not our own strength and ability. Yet despite not needing our help, God graciously invites us to be part of His work, giving back some of what He has already given us. When we do that, He blesses us in return.
This is the truth Paul pointed out when he thanked the church at Philippi for their financial support. God credited them for giving and marked that on their account, even though He didn’t need the financial help and even though He had given them all that they gave to Paul. God’s grace extends even further as He provides for the needs of His children not based on what we can provide, but on our relationship and according to His unlimited resources and riches.
