October Devotional

“Therefore”

Devotional for October, 2024

Philippians 2:1-4Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Therefore:
When we read the Bible, we often encounter the word, “Therefore”, think of this as “What’s it there for?”

Paul had a strong and loving relationship with the people in Philippi and in Philippians 1:27-30, Paul wrote to believers in Philippi encouraging them to walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, that they stand together in one spirit and one mind for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not to be afraid of their adversaries, to believe in Him and to suffer for His sake.

So, what’s it there for? We fight for the truth of Jesus Christ; We need to be there for each other!
If there is any consolation in Christ, any comfort of love, any fellowship of the Spirit, any affection and mercy….

Jesus Christ is at the center of our lives.  We have a deep and loving relationship with Him. This drives our love, compassion, and affection to influence those around us, our friends, family, and coworkers.  We love them with the sacrificial love that Jesus Christ has shown to us.

The Contrast of “Doing”
…fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

As a result, in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we need to be “of one mind,” having the mind of Jesus Christ, which drives us in a loving way, not to be driven solely by our own desires, but by putting others first.
Today, love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love those around you.  Let’s see each other with the eyes of Jesus Christ and sacrifice as He did for our friends.  We need each other!

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