To “receive him…in the Lord…” (Phil 2:29) means to draw someone near to you, allowing him to become part of your life, sharing with him your struggles, hopes, aspirations. Receiving each other in the Lord has to be mutual for the relationship to last. Such closeness among members makes the church a warm church; and members will not be reactive or cause misunderstanding. Instead, they will seek to be patient, forgiving and overlook the faults of others. However, such a close relationship may run the risk of having your feelings hurt.

Three ingredients to help us receive each other in the Lord are as follows:

1.  The relationship has a spiritual quality (Phil 2:25). When both parties open their hearts to each other, they will develop a natural affection and see each other as part of the same spiritual family. This is seen when Paul called Epaphroditus “my brother” (Phil:2:25). Following that, Paul called Epaphroditus “companion in labour, and fellowsoldier.” This sequence shows that Paul had the right mindset in his labour with Epaphroditus. He would not be easily upset when faced with the weaknesses of Epaphroditus. Instead, Paul would support him, and would still earnestly contend for the faith together with him. Epaphroditus was sent by God to Paul at the right time to encourage Paul and to meet his needs.

2.  It has a spiritual consideration (Phil 2:26-28). The brethren in Philippi were worried about Epaphroditus as they had not heard from him for a while, and then they heard that he was “sick nigh unto death” (Phil 2:27). Considering their concern for Epaphroditus, Paul thus sent him back to Philippi to comfort them.

We are to have consideration for others spiritually, seeking to encourage others in the Lord. A word of encouragement may be used by God to lift up a depressed soul. Seek to encourage rather than criticise.

3.  It has a spiritual worth or value (Phil 2:29-30). To hold such in “reputation” (Phil 2:29) means to consider something to be precious. Epaphroditus faced much troubles going to see Paul on behalf of the Philippian church. He almost died. Hence, Paul encouraged the Philippian brethren to receive Epaphroditus in the Lord and to value him. When you value something, you will not throw it away easily. You will not leave your church just because the pastor corrected you for your or your children’s bad behaviour. Instead, we will seek to protect this relationship. When we see others serving God (and us) with their time and effort, let us treasure them and count them as precious to us.

May God help us to receive each other in the Lord.