If, Then, There Is Any Encouragement In Christ
Philippians 2:1-2 Christian Standard Bible
2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Where does true encouragement come from? There are moments in our lives as we walk with Jesus where we may become discouraged, feel like God has abandoned us or given up on us. But He will never leave us nor forsake us. He goes before us and even when we are going through hard and difficult things, He is working in the unseen to bring forth His plans and purposes.
When we look at the many benefits of following Jesus what we find is there is encouragement, consolation of love, fellowship, affection, and mercy. Not only is all this available to us through Jesus Christ in our relationship with God, but also within the body of Christ. Paul’s emphasis here is being united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
When we look at the enemy one of his greatest devices and weapons is to cause as much division and discord as possible. For us to walk in unity we must be people of humility. We must understand everything we have is because of Jesus Christ alone. When people wound and offend us, we cannot take it personally. We must choose to walk in love at all times. As we spend time in the scriptures each day it is God who changes us from the inside out. It is the work of The Holy Spirit within us that changes the people we are.
May we as the body of Christ strive to walk in unity. May we be quick to forgive and may the purposes of God’s kingdom be our sole focus. Paul as a spiritual father wanted the very best for those he was writing too. There are no perfect churches because imperfect people fill them. But our goal and aim should be to become more like Jesus every day and be transformed by His grace and His power. May the Holy Spirit lead, guide, direct, and fill us in all things.
Prayer
Father thank you for your love. Thank you for all the benefits that we have through Jesus. Thank you that everything we receive is by your grace alone. Help me to forgive and to love others. Help me to put the needs of others before my own. Father if there is any wicked way within me, please remove it and continue to transform me into your image, character, and nature. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
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