Love and Compassion - Jesus' Mindset

This morning I was reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians 2:1-7 NIV:

[1] "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, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

[5] "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Recently I have been very aware of this repeating theme of service to the Body of Christ.  When Paul writes of the mindset of Christ, He is speaking of this very theme.  For Jesus in teaching  and demonstration showed and modeled servant leadership.  He showed the Apostles and disciples the value of service, and in that service the value of the individual, the lowly, afflicted and lonely.  His example of humility and service in now way devalues himself, but is rather something spurred from deep love and compassion.  it is in unity with Him, The Holy Spirit, and the Father that these characteristics are most fully expressed and exhibited.

Love and compassion were two of the things Jesus most consistently demonstrated in all His dealings with those He encountered.  Those characteristics were two of the main  characteristics that the Father revealed to Moses when He showed Himself.   Here is the verse from Exodus 34:6 NIV: ..."And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,..."  In embracing this call from Paul, we are entering into the character of God, revealing His nature through our actions and demonstrating His heart.

Let us learn to treat each other as the Lord treated us.  Let us embody His love, compassion, graciousness, faithfulness and forgiveness.  Let us lift each other up, joining ourselves to Him.  As we all do so, we will be directed and guided into unity an like-mindedness, for if we all have His mindset, then we will have the same mind. If we pursue His heart and embrace Him, we will be united, for that is His very heart as a member of the Holy Trinity.  As we learn to live our lives for the Body of Christ, rather than for ourselves, we will naturally begin to look to others, looking for ways to lift them up, encourage them and help them grow and mature in Christ.  As they do so, the whole Body of Christ is built-up.  This is our call and invitation.

Lord, we pray that You will help us all to embrace these verses and live our lives for each other and for You.  Amen!