Philippians 2:1-2
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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
In this passage, Paul mentioned a few principles of church life for Christians. First, we must encourage one another in Christ. We must do it in Christ because we are united as one body in the Lord with other believers and we are inseparable. We need to encourage one another in Christ because it's easy to turn into criticism and judgment. Only encouragement in Christ will help us to truly encourage one another. What does it mean to encourage one another? I think of it like cheerleading during a ball game, except it takes place on a spiritual journey. If a sports team is playing with anyone cheerleading, there's no one to cheer when they score and no one to pad on the back when they lose and encourage them to try again, the game would seem rather dull. I have, however, found this to be the case in churches. When brothers and sisters are strong in serving the Lord, no one is there to tell them "Good job! Well done!" When brothers and sisters are weak, no one is there to tell them "It's ok, I'm here to support you!" In fact, some would even ridicule those who are weak. It's no wonder that the more we serve in the Lord, the lonelier we become. This is really our inadequacy, so may the Lod help us to learn to encourage one another in Christ.
Next, we must comfort one another with compassion. Comforting must take place in the love of Christ in order for us to understand the hearts of people. Understanding doesn't mean agreeing with them, or doing what others are expecting. When others know that we are willing to understand them, they will feel respected and comforted.
Is there anyone around you who needs to be encouraged or comforted? After reading this devotional article, I encourage you to call a brother or sister who's in need. You don't need to preach anything, but just listen to his or her situation and pray together. Are you willing to do it?
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord Jesus, I thank you because you give me many brothers and sisters to that we may courage one another. May the Lord help me to not only receive grace from you every day, but also be willing to reach out and touch those who are in need. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen
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