“Doing the right thing for other people has a way of [relieving our anxiety]. Losing something for the sake of others has the profound effect of giving us back more, usually in the currency of increased inner joy and contentment.”- Randy Frazee
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. . . . So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me,”- Philippians 2:25, 29-30 (NIV)
In Principle #10: Do Right by Other People of The Joy Challenge, Randy Frazee talks about Paul’s friendship with Epaphroditus. For the apostle Paul, his feelings centered not only on what Epaphroditus did, but also why he did it.
Therefore, Paul encouraged the Philippians to welcome his helper home with great joy. Because, it seems as if Epaphroditus suffered from depression. As a result, he likely returned home with his head held low. So, Paul wanted the Christians in Philippi to look Epaphroditus in square in the eye and tell him otherwise.
Above all, Randy notes, in this text Paul chose a unique word for risk. The Greek word represents a gambling term that means to throw down a stake. Hence, Epaphroditus played with very high stakes to come to Paul’s aid. Out of deep love, Paul did the right thing and sent him home. Thus, everyone’s joy increased!
In conclusion, Randy exhorts:
“When we do the right thing by other people, it not only increases their joy, but it also increases our joy at the same time in even greater measure. Jesus was right: ‘You’re far happier giving than getting’ (Acts 20:35 MSG).”
Today’s question: How does doing the right thing pay you back in the currency of increased inner joy? Please share.
Coming Monday: the September Short Meditation, “Our great surprise – Jesus”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Proactively practicing joy”