WEDNESDAY

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

So, what does life look like for the person who embraces the encouragement that God longs to give us as we are reminded who God is and who we are? Interestingly enough, in today’s passage, Paul describes the fruit of embracing a life grounded in this encouragement. As you read and reflect on his words, notice how he describes what our courage is grounded in, and what it frees us from, so we can live the life God invites us to. As you read, take note of the following:

• Paul ties encouragement with being united with Jesus, taking comfort in His love, living responsively to the Spirit, and the tenderness and compassion that results. The encouraged life is the one that is grounded in and responsive to a deep sense of grace and love (verse 1).

• When we know how God regards us, we are then free to live in a way that reflects this same character of God to others (verse 2). This is what we sometimes refer to as “living out of the overflow.”

• In verses 3-4, Paul goes on to describe what we can let go of as a result of seeing God and ourselves more clearly.

• Then, in the remaining verses, Paul goes on to describe the mindset that Jesus had that we are invited to embrace and reflect. Take a few moments to thoughtfully read those verses and what they reveal about God.

• As you continue to reflect on today’s passage, what parts resonate with you the most? Take some time to talk with God about what you are seeing or hearing in these verses.