PHILIPPIANS 2:1

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,”

I’ve said it and you have heard it said, “Whenever you see a “therefore” look to see what it is there for.” Paul begins chapter two (there were really no chapters in his original letter) by connecting it back to chapter one. He had been instructing the Philippians on how to live in difficult situations (conflicts, suffering, etc.) and now he totally turns the subject to godly living, even in the midst of the hard times.

Look what Paul lists in this first verse – encouragement, love, fellowship, affection and compassion. We could spend the next week on these words, but I will encourage you to do your own deep dive into them. I will look at a couple of them today to spur your interest. Okay? Let’s go!

APPLICATION

First, let’s look at the word “encouragement.” This is the Greek word paraklésis, which is “a calling to one’s aid, i.e. encouragement, comfort.” (NAS Exhaustive Concordance). In 2 Corinthians 7:4, we see Paul use this word to describe how he felt “comfort” towards these believers. “My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” It’s the idea of coming up beside someone, putting your arm around them and just encouraging them.

Secondly, let’s see the word “affection.” This word in the Greek is splagchnon, which comes from “the Greek root splagchna, which refers to the inward parts or entrails.” (Strong’s Lexicon). It was used to describe someone’s deep emotions, especially compassion and affection. It’s that deep gut feeling you have for others. I love my family that way. You probably do also. Paul says these Philippians he is writing to should have this kind of affection towards each other in Christ.

Encouragement and affection – two things we all need more of in the church today. Amen? May we all strive to encourage someone today. Tell someone they are loved today. Just go out and make someone’s day. I promise if you show these two things, they and you will be blessed.

Lord, give me the encouragement and affection of Christ to share with others today.