Love for Others, and Not Oneself

During Paul's second missionary journey he visited Philippi. Shortly after, a church was formed there. He wrote the Book of Philippians while in bondage, around 61 or 62 A.D., to recognize them for their assistance.

While he was at it, Paul also took the opportunity to call attention to some of the problems in their church. One of the things he didn't like was the self-centeredness they were exhibiting.

Obviously, the problem of self-centeredness is nothing new. It was as evident in Paul's day as it is now. He saw that it posed problems for living the Christian life then, as it still does today.

When one is self-centered there's no room for Him in their life. "It's all about me" becomes the driving force in one's heart and thoughts. This is bad enough for anyone, but it is especially destructive to the Christian.

Paul was well aware of this. He knew that the only way to correct this way of thinking was to press them toward conforming to Jesus' example of humility and love, not of oneself, but of one another.

He talked about being "like-minded" or having the same love (Philippians 2:2). When we have the same love, we tend to be of the same mind, or on the same wavelength.

When a person is self-centered they are concerned only with their own desires, needs, or interests. It doesn't take much to see that this attitude can be problematic in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

This Christian love, or mutual love for others, is what Jesus taught (John 15:12). When we place ourselves first in line above Jesus Christ, we are crowding Him out of our our lives.

Jesus never once did this during His life and ministry here on earth. Even up to his death on the cross He was thinking of others, in love, over Himself (Luke 23:34; Luke 23:40-43).

There's no room for self-centeredness when your heart is filled with Christ. Follow His example all the days of your life. What a wonderful model of humility and love we have in the Lord Jesus!

Scripture: John 13:34; John 15:17; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 2 John 1:5

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me focus on Your example of love for others and not of oneself. Fill my heart to the brim with Your loving and compassion, that I may share it with the world, amen.

Stay blessed,

Kate