If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself Philippians 2:1-3 WEB
In this portion of his letter to the Philippians, Paul draws on the encouragement believers receive from faith in Jesus Christ. Although he and many church members suffer persecution, Paul stresses the love of Christ. He emphasizes the comfort that comes from the Holy Spirit, as well as the tender mercies and compassion God demonstrated for sinful mankind in the life, sacrifice, and salvation provided by our resurrected Savior. He points to these things of God to motivate the Philippians to love one another like Jesus loves each of us.
The word translated here as exhortation means to urge or encourage. Having received love, hope, and encouragement from Christ, Paul teaches the church to encourage one another. He writes in Philippians 2:5, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. NIV” Jesus makes plain this mindset in John 13:34 saying, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. WEB”
Love Like Jesus
As we receive love from Christ, we give the love of Christ to others. Likewise, as we receive tender mercies and compassion from God, we demonstrate tender mercies and compassion to our brothers and sisters of faith. Additionally, as we receive comfort and counsel from the Holy Spirit, we give comfort to others. As we share in the blessings of salvation and eternal life in Christ, we lift one another up by sharing not only the blessings of Christ but also the suffering of our fellow believers just as our Savior did for each of us.
Paul’s letter teaches us to demonstrate the tender mercies of Christ with a humble spirit. As the body of Christ, he encourages us to give up rivalry and work together. In doing so, Paul leads the church to emulate the Lord Jesus. Working together in obedience to the will of our heavenly Father, we benefit ourselves and others. As Jesus taught in Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the encouragement of your holy word. Thank you for the counsel of your Holy Spirit. Help me to humbly love others as I benefit from your tender mercies. Help me to love like Jesus. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Empty Tomb
