Beyond Suffering Bible Sampler - Flipbook - Page 11
P R O F I L E
EPaPhRODiTUs Devoted Caregiver
A sk fa m il ie s a ffe cte d by disability about caregivers, and they
might borrow from a familiar Proverb: “Who can find a virtuous and capable [caregiver]? She [or he] is more precious than rubies” (Prov 31:10).
Good caregivers love people and usually become a respected part of the
family and medical team. The best ones embrace their task as a calling
from God, which seems to have been the case with Epaphroditus. He exemplified Paul’s admonition in Philippians 2:12 to “work hard to show the
results of [his] salvation.”
While Scripture tells us very little about Epaphroditus, a closer examination of the details reveals an honorable man and dedicated caregiver.
His church family selected him as a trustworthy person to carry their gifts
and offerings to Paul. We can assume he was a man of courage because his
own life was probably at risk while serving Paul—an unpopular prisoner
with an uncertain future. Epaphroditus also made the sacrifice of walking
away from his own family, friends, and life of comfort for an undetermined
amount of time. Then, like many committed caregivers, who get burned out and exhausted, he became
very ill—so ill he almost died.
Good caregivers
As a result of his nurturing heart, a strong bond
love people well
was formed between the great apostle Paul and this
common man Epaphroditus. What joy and satisfaction Epaphroditus must have felt returning to
Philippi with Paul’s letter tucked safely in his belt. The apostle graciously
acknowledged Epaphroditus’s sacrifice, referring to him as a “true brother,
co-worker, and fellow soldier” whom God had shown mercy through
healing (Phil 2:25-27). No doubt the believers at Philippi welcomed their
brother home with the honor he deserved.
Oh, that today’s church would catch a vision to likewise love and support those who are willing to serve as caregivers. As we value caregivers
and esteem their work done as unto the Lord, we honor our Savior who
was the ultimate model of service and sacrifice for others.
3
