“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
Is your heart filled with joy when God brings the opportunity to come alongside a sister in Christ who needs encouragement or does it seem more an imposition?
If we are united with Christ and maturing in Him, our lives should begin to show the same kind of sacrificial love and service to others as Christ pours out on us.
The Greek word for ‘selfish’ is also translated as strife or contention and speaks of the pride that prompts people to push for their own way. Paul is telling us in these verses that there is no room for this quality in the life of a believer. Instead, we are to have a humble opinion of ourselves and look for opportunities to support and comfort others, growing together in our common purpose: maturity as believers.
Even though we all have busy lives, let’s make a commitment to ask God to open our eyes to see the opportunities all around us. We live in a world filled with sisters who are hurting. Let’s ask God today to give us a tender heart and the desire to obey when He brings someone our way.
May we each be a believer who loves to ‘encourage one another’, just as we receive comfort and encouragement from our Savior!
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