Serving Those Who Are In Crisisنموونە

“Risking Your Life for Another”

How far should you go in risking your health, even your life, to help another? Does it matter how critical the other person’s situation is? Epaphroditis risked his life when he delivered money from his church in Philippi to Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome. He travelled hundreds of miles, carrying money that would entice robbers, and after arrival became sick and nearly died.

We might assume that Epaphroditis went because Paul had a desperate need for the money. But he didn’t. Paul wrote that he had an abundance, and had learned to be content in whatever circumstance. Something else was at work here. More than the gift, Paul sought the blessings of spiritual growth that would come to the church members from their sacrificial giving, for they gave beyond their ability. Undoubtedly Epaphroditis also received a blessing as he sacrificed his health and time with his family, risking his life in what he did.

What about you? Under what circumstance, if any, would you be willing to risk your life for another? What if his or her life is in danger? And how do you feel about risking health and life so that others might achieve spiritual growth, as in the story that underlies this devotion?