Philippians 2:1-2“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”
As Paul writes this letter back to a church he started in Philippi, he reminds them first of who they are. Despite their different ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, ages and gender, they are all followers of Jesus. Together, they have experienced His comfort, His love, and His encouragement. Paul then calls them to agree with each other, love one another, and work together in unity. We live in a society that is divided in more ways than we can count. But as followers of Jesus, one thing is true: God is calling us to embrace our differences—through humility—for His glory.
Respond
1. Unity sounds great to all of us, but take a minute to ask yourself when the last time that you intentionally stepped into the division you see around you to act as an agent of unification for the purpose of glorifying God.
2. This week, invite someone to coffee or dinner who is different from you with the goal of seeing things from their perspective. Ask the question, “what’s that like for you (to do what you do, live where you live, be black/white/Hispanic)?” and then just listen.