SERVE WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:1-4 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul lays an incredible template for Christian unity and care. He reminds us that our encouragement, comfort, and fellowship with one another comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Because we have the Spirit working in our lives, we should be able to live in agreement, love, and unity without selfishness and pride.
I have had the privilege to travel on a variety of mission trips to foreign countries with teams of volunteers. The days that we spent in a foreign environment serving others bonded our hearts in a unique way. Building shared memories with others connect us in a unique way. We have a deeper level of love, compassion, and a desire to serve each other because of the shared experience.
Paul is reminding us, that as followers of Christ we have the shared experience of having Christ as the Lord of our lives. Because of what we have received from Christ we should have a unique bond with other believers. We should be able to live in unity and genuine care for each other.
The world should see in believers a unique and powerful love. A love that serves each other. A love that protects and cares for each other.
Unfortunately believers are often known for their fighting and bickering over unimportant things. We want to argue more than we want to love and serve each other.
Let’s decide we will work for unity and compassion.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to live in harmony with other believers. Help me to serve others. Help me remember how much You have loved me.
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