Christ-like Encouragement

2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any  sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was* in Christ Jesus, ~ Philippians 2:1-5

These days, it seems so few people are willing to step up and do things unless there is something in it for them.  Everyone expects to get something in return for what they do in life.  Each generation seems to get more and more into the “me” mentality.

I remember when I was growing up, people often volunteered to do things out of a desire to help others.  Neighbors would step in and help each other when one of them was going through a difficult time, such as a severe illness or death of a loved one.  Now, most people are so wrapped up in their own lives, they fail to notice others around them in need of a kind word, a little help to get through a difficult time, or even just a short prayer said for them for God’s divine intervention to be felt by those needing the help and support from others.

Jesus’ apostles understood from the example Jesus set while here on earth that we are here to love and serve each other, not ourselves.  We are not to seek payment for everything we do to aid those around us.  We are to humbly help as we are able, showing God’s love to the least, the lost and the lonely.  We are to help our neighbors as we would want to be helped in any given situation.  It is by sharing God’s love through our actions that His love is made complete in us and through us.

Prayer

Dearest Lord Jesus,

Help us to open our eyes to see what it is You would have us do to show Your love to others – especially to those in need of help or comfort.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller