Philippians 2:1 | Pastor Jerry A. Burns
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, — Philippians 2:1
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Paul begins with a plea, and it is rooted in what we already have in Christ. The word “if” is not doubt-it carries the idea of “since.” Since we have consolation in Christ, since we have comfort in His love-this sacrificial agape love-and since we share in the fellowship of the Spirit, there should be a response. The Spirit of God indwells us and guides us into truth, creating unity among believers. We have also received compassion and mercy, just as Christ was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). All of this is based on our position in Christ-and because we have received these things, we should live differently toward one another.
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. If you expect or experience the benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be
among us a spirit of pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men's matters. Neither inward nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind.