Joy from shared sorrow

Paul’s relationship with the leadership and believers in Philippi brought him great joy. This extraordinary friendship, much closer than with any other church, was rooted in their shared persecution. 
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:7-8

The persecution began when Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison after baptizing Lydia and her household and casting out the evil spirit of a young slave girl. While praying and singing hymns to God, an earthquake loosed the chains of Paul, Silas and other prisoners. When the jailer realized that he did not have to kill himself because the prisoners had not escaped, Paul and Silas had his attention. The jailor and his household believed in God and were baptized. However, despite being given their freedom and an apology, it was clear that the persecution would not end. Therefore, they left, but the Philippian church inherited their persecution.

The result was a shared joy. The lesson for us is to not distance ourselves from those who share in our sorrows.