Philippians 2:30. More Dishcloths. TADA! A Finish!

Philippians 2:30
Scripture


Observation
This verse needs to be seen in context - at least to include v. 29.  Paul is asking the Philippians to receive Epaphorditus  back with great joy, to honor those like him and reminding them that he almost died on the missionary trip.  

He also points out that Epaphroditus ministered to him in lieu of the Philippians.

Application
I used to think that v. 30 was a bit harsh - until I read it in the Amplified Version:

Philippians 2:30Amplified Bible (AMP)

30 because he came close to death 

for the work of Christ, 

risking his life 

to complete what was lacking 

in your service to me 

[which distance prevented you 

from rendering personally].

In fact, for literally years I cringed as I imagined the Philippians reading that sentence.  Until I took the time to study The Amplified Version gives the reason for the Philippians' in ability to assist.  

Which reteaches me one very important lesson:

Always assume the best of a person.

I cannot tell you how many times this has saved me.  Failure to do so has robbed me far too many times of my joy - many times unnecessarily.  Such as in this case.

In previous chapters, Paul's love for the Philippians is so obvious.  Of course, v. 30 was written in love!  It may be difficult to see the details in the "best" of some situations, but, my dear reader, we can walk in faith trusting that the words and actions of others - especially those who love us - are their "best".

When we are confused about a situation, prompt and gentle communication will usually clear up the situation.  

How could the man who wrote this in a mere few verses before, 

Philippians 2New International Version (NIV)

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

then be harsh in his words in v. 30? No way!  :)

Prayer

Oh Father God!  Help me to learn to see the big picture in Your Word!  Help me to continue to follow Your leading in assuming the best.  

You are amazing in how You are using this study to grow me spiritually and emotionally! 

I love You so much, Abba Father!  Thank you!

Amen.

More Dishcloths.
Here are the rest of the dishcloths I made for my daughter!  She loved them!  I used this pattern from Dedri at Look What I Made for the dishcloth below.

One can't go wrong with 

a simple granny square!

TADA!  A Finish!  
I finished my Granny Square Cardigan!  I made it a bit bigger than suggested so now I can puff it up around my neck. 

I am a "voluptuous" woman (nice for full-figured) and it fit me fine.  My daughter, who has four babies, has maintained her tiny frame.  This looked nice on her as well!  Here it is!

 The front!

The back

On my bed :)

Here's another close up of the yarn:  I used Yarn Bee's Diva Sequin in Deanli and an "H" hook. I used Nadia Faud's pattern from her blog at YARNutopia.

I'm linking up to:

Fiber Tuesday at

The Quilting Room with Mel

and

Oui Crochet Community

Hookin’ On Hump Day at

Petals to Picot

And

Moogly

Midweek Makers @ Quilt Fabrication

Becoming Press