Today, one of my closest friends sent me a text message. It wasn't flippant or sarcastic or funny the way most texts are. Rather, her words spoke to my very soul.

My friend and I live in separate provinces, and we only see each other once or twice a year. I know she has been praying for my husband and I, and today she was able to hear what God had to say to us. God used her to communicate his love, his provision, and his compassion. I can't think of a time when I've been more encouraged!

I think this is what Paul had in mind when he talked about being united with each other in Christ. My friend comforted me with God's love, and showed me tenderness and compassion.

In the very next verse, Paul says this:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

When we show compassion on our brothers and sisters in Christ, when we encourage and pray for one another, it brings us together like nothing else. It allows us to tear our eyes away from ourselves and focus on others and their needs instead. It's what I experienced today, and it's a beautiful thing.

Dear God, thank you for your family. Thank you for the love and encouragement we have in you, and that you speak to us through your children. Help us to radically honor and love each other, and place our own interests last. Thank you for giving us this family, and may you work through us to communicate your love for the world. In Jesus' name, amen.

Go Deeper - Praying for others is one of the ways we can be united in love. Take some time today to pray for the needs of others in the family of God.



Tags: We Love Our Writers Philippians 2
Photo Credit: Everton Vila