Do you have “any encouragement from belonging to Christ?” Do you enjoy any “comfort from his love? Any fellowship with the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t just look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Phil. 2:1-4
Lord Jesus, there are some passages in your Word that should be “home room” for us. Because they push the right buttons, ask the “meddling” questions, and draw the essential conclusions. And in doing so, they present you as the wonderful, merciful Savior that you actually are. Philippians 2:1-4 is exhibit-A.
What encouragement comes from belonging to you, Jesus? The deepest, most necessary and eternal encouragement is freely ours because of you. All our sins are forgiven, and your righteousness is counted as ours. We’re no longer afraid to die… or live. Belonging to you means we no longer belong to our past, our worst, or an unknown future. We are desired. We are yours, Jesus.
What comfort does your love bring us? No other love comforts us the way yours does, Jesus. Our quest for an identity is over. The struggle to make a name for ourselves is gone. Your love for us is better than life. Your love fills the vacuum, heals the wounds, guarantees an eternity beyond our capacity to imagine. Thank you. A big thank you.
How then shall we live? By having your encouragement and love free and fill our hearts, and impact all our relationships. It’s the way we will live and love forever. May it be increasingly so today. You’ve called us to a life of grace, all the way Home. So Very Amen.