The Apostle Paul was a master with words. That may be why so many parts of his letters have been quoted by Christians over the centuries. And the words that Paul used often make a point standing alone, and are even more profound when strung together:

Encouragement. Consolation. Sharing. Compassion. Sympathy. Joy.

Each of those words can evoke deep feelings. And as we long for these to be present in our lives, we are drawn to the type of behavior and community where they can be experienced. It is here that Paul introduces the Christian concept of humility.

If then there is 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. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5

If we, as followers of Jesus, will do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than ourselves…. looking not to our own interests, but to the interests of others —-then we will become of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind and encouragement, consolation, sharing, compassion, sympathy and joy, will creep into our lives.

All this is called “having the mind of Christ.” Our humble Lord is someone to study and copy as we live each day.

Prayer

Help me, God, to set my eyes upon the life of Jesus, so that I keep walking in His ways, and find the joy that is promised for those who call Him Savior and Lord. Amen.