A Receiving Love: How to Welcome and Honor Quiet Servants

A Receiving Love That Welcomes with Joy

After talking about Epaphroditus’ hard work and sickness, Paul turns to the church. He says, “Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard” (Philippians 2:29). That verse shows a different side of love. It is not just about giving. It is about welcoming. Paul teaches the church to show receiving love.

To “receive him in the Lord” means more than saying “hi.” It means welcome him as someone Jesus loves. It means see Christ’s work in him, and treat him with joy and thanks. Epaphroditus came back tired and hurt. He still needed love and care. The church should not ignore him. They should honor him.

Paul tells them to “hold men like him in high regard.” That means think well of them. Show respect. Say, “This brother served Jesus well.” A church that shows this kind of receiving love makes servants feel seen. It helps them rest. It gives them strength to serve again.

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Receiving Love and the Cost of Serving

Paul adds, “because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me” (Philippians 2:30). The church could not all come to Paul. Epaphroditus went in their place. He filled the gap. He risked his own life to do it.

Good ministry often has a cost. Some believers lose jobs, or some lose friends. Some, in hard places, may even face jail or death. Others lose sleep and money. They spend time and energy to help people. When a believer pays a cost like this, the church should not act like it is “no big deal.” Real receiving love says, “We see what you did. We thank God for you.”

This thanks is not about making people proud. It is about giving God glory for His work in them. It is about telling stories of faithful servants so others can be encouraged. Volunteers who serve in small, quiet ways must hear this too. Nursery workers, sound people, greeters, prayer warriors, all need to feel valued.

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Receiving Love That Copies the Heart of Jesus

Jesus is the best example of a servant. He washed the feet of His friends (John 13:1–15), and died on the cross for our sins. He also promised, “If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). The Father gives honor to those who serve His Son.

When we show receiving love, we copy the Father. We honor those who serve Jesus, though we do not make them stars. We do not lift them higher than Christ, or worship them. Instead, we simply say, “God used you, and we thank Him.” This kind of welcome helps tired hearts. Even Paul needed this kind of care. God comforted him through friends like Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6–7).

In your church, you can do this too. You can listen when servants share their stories, you can pray for them out loud, and you can write a note or speak a kind word. Simple acts can carry great power when they come from receiving love.

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A Church Full of Sending and Receiving

In Philippians 2, we see a sweet picture. Paul pours out his life like a drink offering (Philippians 2:17). Timothy shares Paul’s heart and wants to serve the church (Philippians 2:19–22). Epaphroditus gives his strength and almost his life to help Paul (Philippians 2:25–30). The church in Philippi gives money and love and prayer. Everyone gives, receives, and shares joy.

Many churches miss this balance. Some people give and give but never let anyone help them. Others always receive and never serve. A healthy church does both. Each person asks, “How can I serve?” and also, “How can I welcome and honor those who serve?”

At the start of Philippians 2, Paul says, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Jesus obeyed the Father. Jesus gave His life. Then the Father lifted Him up (Philippians 2:9–11). Heaven honors the Lamb who died. On earth, our receiving love should honor those who follow His way.

You can begin today. Look around. Who serves quietly? Who carries heavy loads? Ask God, “How can I show them real receiving love?” As you obey, your church will grow warmer, kinder, and more like Jesus.

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