Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
Philippians 2:28 NIV
Less Anxiety
Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common types of mental disorders in Canada and have been shown to have a major impact on the daily lives of those affected. In 2013, an estimated three million Canadians aged 18 years or older reported that they had a mood and/or anxiety disorder. Mood disorders are characterized by the lowering or elevation of a person’s mood, while anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and even fear. Both types of disorders interfere with an individual’s everyday life for an extended period of time.
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In an anxious world, you and I, as followers of Jesus, have a role to play in coming alongside those who are suffering most deeply. As Paul speaks about his friend and coworker Epaphroditus, he says this in Philippians 2:28: “Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.” Paul’s words about sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippians reveal a deep concern for both the emotional well-being of the church and his own good heart. This verse reminds us that love is not passive—it moves us to act for the good of others. Paul’s eagerness to relieve their sorrow and his own anxiety shows the beauty of Christian fellowship: we carry each other’s burdens, rejoice in each other’s healing, and find peace in each other’s presence. In our own lives, we are called to be messengers of comfort and hope. Whether through a visit, a call, or a heartfelt word, we can be the answer to someone’s prayer. God uses our presence to bring gladness to others and calm to our own hearts.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley