Caring in Christ

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2 verse 5. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Caring in Christ was written by Arthur Jackson and read by Wes Ward. Philippians 2 verses 1 through 11. Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

And every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Caring in Christ, written by Arthur Jackson. Ms. Charlene, my friend Dwayne's mother, is 94 years old, under five feet tall and weighs less than 100 pounds. Yet, this doesn't stop her from doing what she can to care for her son, whose physical health prevents him from caring for himself. Visits to their two-story home often find her on the second floor where she resides.

Slowly, she descends 16 stairs to the first floor to greet her guests, just as she does to assist in caring for the son whom she loves. Ms. Charlene's selfless determination convicts challenges and inspires me as she prioritizes her son's well-being over her own. She models what Paul encourages in Philippians 2. In humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.

Caring for those with health challenges or other needs can be costly. The demands of life can be all-consuming, and even those closest to us can be shortchanged if we're not intentional about taking our eyes off ourselves. But humbly caring is what believers in Jesus are called to do. When we give of ourselves, we follow the examples of Jesus and help others in the process. The apostle reminds us, in your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Let's pray. Father, we thank you for the example of selfless love and humility that we see in Christ. Help us to have the same mindset of Christ, putting the needs of others above our own, and serving with compassion and grace. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. Who inspires you to be more caring and selfless? What obstacles might you have to navigate to meet others' needs?