Philippians 1:12-18

12But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. 18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Amazing Scripture... Paul sets such a great example to all believers. In spite of being in prison he is able to think of the positive aspects of his situation. He shows all believers that every circumstance can be used and should be used to spread the Gospel.

Paul could have felt sorry for himself and spent his time questioning God and wallowing in self pity. However, he chose instead to praise God. He didn't praise God because he was in prison but because God was still using him to spread the Gospel. I don't think Paul is saying God wants us to be happy when something bad happens to us... That is unnatural. Instead Paul shows us to focus on the good instead of the bad.

Starting in verse 14 Paul talks about people who preach the Gospel for the wrong reasons. The only reason to preach Gods word is out of love for God and unbelievers. In spite of those preaching for their own gain and glorifying in Pauls inprisonment he was able to see past that and just be happy Gods word was being spread. He didn't condemn or judge, he praised God and rejoiced that Christ was being preached.