D.L.

LIVE

Learn – Inspiration – Vision – Encounter

“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.”
(Philippians 2:1-2 NIV11-GKE)

Paul mentions several essential attributes we must abide by to survive.
This world could be nicer. We constantly hear people who disqualify each other. Sadly, the same can be said for the church. I have experienced harsh, disqualifying remarks about my role as a minister. I have found the life of Paul a source of inspiration, as he was questioned more than once and persecuted. Thankfully, he was able to stand and write from his own experience.

How do we know that Paul suffered all that? We know this because he experienced discouragement, discomfort, harshness, and a lack of compassion while serving the Lord. Just read how many times he was beaten and persecuted in the Book of Acts.
Yet, his joy is complete because he experiences encouragement, comfort, tenderness, and compassion by being united with Christ. Christ sustains him, and Jesus’ joy makes him secure. He understands the significance of being united in mind, spirit, and in the love of Christ.

Let us not forget that we can find encouragement in hard times. Today, I was encouraged by one of my fathers in the faith. He was like Jesus to me, listening to my heart with much tenderness, compassion, and love.