Dear Lord Jesus, several images coming to mind and heart when I think of Philippians 2:1-4: True Freedom, Lighthouse, Reset Button, Default Mode, North Star, Primary GPS Setting, Homeroom, Oasis in the Desert, Riches of Grace, Gospel Sanity … and that’s just 10 of many more. I can’t think of a more central and centering portion of your Word.
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ” (Phil.2:1) – What encouragement comes through our union with you? We are fully known and deeply loved—forgiven, justified, and adopted by Abba, Father. Staying experientially alive to these 3 grace-realities would change everything, Jesus. Help us, free us. But that’s comparable to a few rolls of quarters compared to all the riches we have in you.
“if any comfort from Jesus’ love” – How do you comfort us with your love? By your love’s quality, depth, and constancy. No one loves us like you do, Jesus. You comfort us in our grief, fears, and pain—when we lose our grip, way, and hope.
“if any fellowship with the Spirit, tenderness, and compassion” – The Spirit is constantly telling us of your beauty, glory, and compassion; and of our belovedness and “sonship” with Abba (Rom. 8:16). How will all this goodness impact our relationships?
“Be like-minded and grace-hearted—having the same love for Jesus and each other… Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, humbly value and honor each other above yourselves. Don’t make everything about yourself. Champion the interests of others” (Paraphrase of Philippians 2:2-4).
Jesus, THIS is the relational culture the Gospel will create—in our hearts, churches, marriages, and friendships—in every season of family life, in our various callings, and throughout our journey Home. As you love us, free us to love to your glory. Life is too precious and short to make it about us. It’s all about loving and honoring you, Jesus. So Very Amen.
