The Christians in the city of Philippi shared a special relationship with the apostle Paul, and they seemingly took every opportunity available to them to serve and care for him. For a period of time, Paul must have been beyond their reach, or perhaps they lost track of him while he was transported as a Roman prisoner. But, once he was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity” (Phil. 4:10). 
Their care for Paul was constant (as evidenced by the Greek imperfect tense), but for a time, the opportunity to show that care was being constantly hindered. Finally, their care could flourish again and be demonstrated through action.
Today, which seems to be lacking for us–the Christ-like care for brethren OR the opportunity to demonstrate it? Opportunities abound around us! Will our brethren know that we care?