TUESDAY September 3, 2024
Joy in Like-mindedness
Therefore 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.
Philippians 2:1-2
Paul used the word therefore, which took the believers back to what he had previously said in Philippians 1. They were to walk worthy of the Gospel––in unity. Paul had joy while under house arrest because he took comfort knowing the believers in Philippi were growing in Christ. Sadly, he received news of a division in the church. They were supposed to be united––standing fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).
Paul again exhorted them to be like-minded. He would begin to point them to Christ’s example of humility and sacrifice. Jesus became a Man. He was falsely accused and mistreated––He took 39 stripes! When a Roman soldier whipped a prisoner, each time they confessed their sin, but the Son of Man had no sin. Jesus knew He would be arrested and crucified, but He had joy. The Scriptures reveal the reason He was so full of joy:
...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God... (Hebrews 12:2).
Do you have joy in suffering? Trials can so easily rob you of your joy. As joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it comes from within, whereas happiness depends on your outward circumstances. God desires that you have joy in your life:
John 15:11 NLT: I [Jesus] have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Romans 15:13: I [Paul] pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him...
There may be difficult people in your life, and they become a thorn in your side. They can really get to you, but do not let them rob you of your joy.
For the Christian, there can be joy in the midst of suffering, joy that transcends the pain of the moment.
~R.C. Sproul~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
