Philippians 2:1-2
"If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."
Paul is trying to do more than simply "get the church to work together" (though this is a difficult enough task).
Paul is also attempting to help the church at Philippi change their world view; change their perspective.
The hope is, that the people of Philippi would see the good things in their world as gifts from God. Encouragement, consolation, sharing, compassion and sympathy are meant to be understood as some of the good gifts that come from above. Suddenly, compassion takes on new meaning as a gift that I can exhibit while being in the larger picture that is Christ's love.
Now imagine if an entire church system began to understand that together. If we all understood our gifts from God to be given to us for the explosion of the gospel message.
(How do your gifts fit into the greater purpose of God?) is the beginning to the question:
How do you fit in the greater purpose that is the glorious will of our Savior?
Paul is trying to do more than simply "get the church to work together" (though this is a difficult enough task).
Paul is also attempting to help the church at Philippi change their world view; change their perspective.
The hope is, that the people of Philippi would see the good things in their world as gifts from God. Encouragement, consolation, sharing, compassion and sympathy are meant to be understood as some of the good gifts that come from above. Suddenly, compassion takes on new meaning as a gift that I can exhibit while being in the larger picture that is Christ's love.
Now imagine if an entire church system began to understand that together. If we all understood our gifts from God to be given to us for the explosion of the gospel message.
(How do your gifts fit into the greater purpose of God?) is the beginning to the question:
How do you fit in the greater purpose that is the glorious will of our Savior?
I understand that gifts from God are not necessarily material gifts but gifts of character, such as love and compassion. I find that my gifts fit well into the will of God. For example, by God first loving me and showing me what true love is I can now truly love others in this world and ultimately they will see the love of God through me. It is through my testimony and the way I live my life for Christ that the greater purpose of the will of our Saviour will be displayed and served.
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