Happiness Reflection Guide – September 30, 2019
Monday
Read: Philippians 2:1-4
1″ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ” (NIV Philippians 2:1-4)
Study: From the very outset of his letter to the Philippians, Paul has maintained a focus on the church as a whole, with an attempt to promote unity. In his opening address in 1:1 he addresses the whole church and not just those who are living right. He says, “to all the saints in Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.” He regards them all as saints, though certain ones had caused a measure of division within the church (4:2-3). Just like when Paul was writing, there is no lack of division in our time. In what ways can you view those you disagree with as a child of God? What do you need to do to seek to be of “one mind” with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for Paul’s words urging me to be one with those around me. Even when we disagree, show me that my brothers and sisters are your children just as I am. Amen.