Background:
When Paul asked readers in Philippi to consider the humility of Jesus (Philippians 2:5–8), he used a word that describes the attitude of willingness to be counted among servants. He wanted them to remember that those who live in the spirit of Jesus do so in the awareness that He first humbled Himself for us. The prophet Isaiah had described a mysterious “Servant” as being despised, rejected, and familiar with pain and suffering. The prophet anticipated that He held in such low esteem that people would find it hard to even look at Him (Isaiah 53:3). Those who lower themselves for the good of others in the spirit of Jesus express the humility of our Savior who is “in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6).
My comments to you:
To answer who could use some encouragement, I will have to tell anyone God brings to me. We are horrific times. Our Nation is divided politically, socially, racially, and medically. The COVID variant Delta that is very contiguous puts unvaccinated people in the hospital and kills them.
The apostle Paul pointed to the beauty of harmony when he told the Philippians to be “like-minded,” have “the same love,” and be “one in spirit and . . . mind” (Philippians 2:2). He asked them to embrace the humble attitude and self-giving love of Jesus. The gospel, as Paul well knew and taught, can eliminate our divisions.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work through our different lives and contexts, we become a symphony that reverberates with humble Christlike love.
Reflect:
Who could use some encouragement from you today? How could you put the interests of others above your own, just as Jesus did for us?
My prayer for us:
Dear Jesus, thank You for saving us. May Your Spirit transform us into Your image. In our attitudes and actions, help us to take on Your humility and sacrificial love. May it result in greater unity with other believers in our lives
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/09/10) Like a Symphony, Glenn Packiam, retrieved from www.odb.org 10/09/2021 Like a Symphony.