For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
– Phil 1:8-11
Partnership in the gospel should not be conceived as only involving working together, but it should also be about growing together. Paul prays that the Philippians’ love would overflow, guided by knowledge and discernment, producing lives marked by righteousness. True gospel partners encourage one another not only in mission but in holiness.
Being a partner in the gospel means investing in each other’s spiritual growth. It is a shared journey of becoming more like Christ, of learning to discern what is excellent, and of living in ways that honour God. Partnership is a commitment to mutual growth in righteousness, so that together, we reflect Christ’s character to the world and strengthen the community of faith. Growth in holiness is the responsibility of those who share the gospel.
Prayer
Lord, help me to grow in righteousness as I walk with others in gospel partnership. Teach me to encourage and be encouraged, so that our lives together bear fruit that honours You. Amen.
Meditation
In my partnerships for the gospel, how am I helping others grow in righteousness; and how am I letting others encourage me in spiritual growth?