Philippians 4:18

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

(v18, NIV)

The believers at the church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul. With him, they sent an offering they gathered to be given to Paul to help him while he was away. In doing this, they were sharing in his ministry and sharing in his suffering. However, Paul was not in need of their gift. Paul knows how to have and how to have little. He draws and stands on the strength which God provides. However, Paul is still grateful and thankful for their gift to him. He wants them to know that their gift to him is great and has supplied him to a great degree. In addition, these gifts they have given to him are pleasing to God. He describes it as a fragrant offering to God. The aroma from the gift they give to him is pleasing to God. It's as if the scent from this offering they give to Paul has risen to God that he could smell it. God does smell it and it is pleasing to him.

A gift or giving does not go unnoticed by God. Those at the church in Philippi gave to Paul when nobody else gave to him. They continued to give, even though they were unable to for a short while. Their genuine giving and proven faithfulness to Paul who is dear to them is pleasing to God. In the same way, when our giving is of the same manner, it is also pleasing to God.