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If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any
comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any
tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only
to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:1-4)
The Apostle Paul writes this while he is in prison because of his faith
in Jesus. He is asking a favor of the church in the Greek city of
Philippi (which he planted himself). He is basically saying, "Listen, if
you have experienced the love of Jesus in any way, then be each others'
best friends!" His actions speak louder than his words here. He could be
asking for something selfish; but like a true friend, he puts their need
to get along above his own need for comfort.
Real friends put themselves aside and help others get ahead in this
marathon we call life. Real friends aren't obsessed with getting their
own way. Real friends forget themselves long enough to lend a helping
hand. Paul not only tells them how, but shows them by his life.
Friendship is based upon things held in common. You and the people in
your church have the greatest friend in common ever -- the man Jesus.
The people in your church ought to be your closest companions; and as
the old saying goes, "To gain a friend, be a friend." If you find
yourself at odds with your fellow believers, remember the words and life
of Paul.
By fantastic mercy,
Mike
(with thanks to Eugene Peterson)
version #2:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any
comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any
tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only
to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:1-4)
The Apostle Paul writes this while he is in prison because of his faith
in Jesus. He is asking a favor of the church in the Greek city of
Philippi (which he planted himself). He is basically saying, "Listen, if
you have experienced the love of Jesus in any way, then be each others'
best friends!" His actions speak louder than his words here. He could be
asking for something selfish; but like a true friend, he puts their need
to get along above his own need for comfort.
Real friends put themselves aside and help others get ahead in this
marathon we call life. Real friends aren't obsessed with getting their
own way. Real friends forget themselves long enough to lend a helping
hand. The people in your church ought to be your closest companions; and
as the old saying goes, "To gain a frIend, be a friend." Paul not only
tells them how, but shows them by his life. Let us take him seriously.
By fantastic mercy,
Mike
eDevotions written by Mike Sares. © 2005. |
