Love Like, United Like, and Humble Like Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:1–3 (KJV)

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Devotional Thought

Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to think like Christ, act like Christ, and be like Christ. Becoming a Christian requires a transformation not only of our status, but of our behavior and mindset. Our lives must begin to reflect the character Jesus demonstrated during His earthly ministry.

The question for the Philippians and for us today is this: How should we live now that we belong to Christ?

Paul answers plainly: we must have the same mind as Christ. In this passage, Paul highlights three defining characteristics of the mind of Christ:

• Love

• Unity

• Humility

Love Like Christ:

We must have the same love that Jesus Christ has shown toward us. His love is unconditional without limits, requirements, or conditions. He loves us regardless of how we respond to Him. Even while we were enemies, He laid down His life and died for our sins. 1 John 4:9–10 describes this love:

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Because God loved us first, we are called to extend that same love to others as indicated in I John 4:11:

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Love is the foundation of our relationship with God, His Son Jesus Christ, and one another.

United in Christ:

Paul urges believers to be “of one accord, of one mind.” The Greek word sumpsuchos means joined together in soul sharing the same heart, purpose, and spiritual direction.

Who are we to be united with? Jesus Christ and our fellow believers. We are all members of one body.

Jesus prayed for this unity, asking that all believers would be one just as He and the Father are one. Our unity is a testimony to the world that Christ truly lives in us.

Unity is essential to our faith. We are dependent upon God and interdependent upon one another, bound together through Jesus Christ.

Humble Like Christ:

Philippians 2:3 teaches:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Paul instructs Christians to walk in humility. “Lowliness of mind” describes a heart posture that prefers others, honors them, and serves them. True humility means looking out for the interests of others rather than focusing only on our own. Romans 12:10 reinforces this truth:

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”

Humility expresses itself through kindness, generosity, and sincere concern for others.

Conclusion:

Each day we must devote ourselves to living differently. Our Christian walk should reflect the life of Christ. This requires intentional choices. We must decide to:

• Love like Jesus

• Be united in Jesus Christ

• Humble ourselves like Jesus

When we walk in love, unity, and humility, we demonstrate the mind of Christ and in doing so, we glorify God.