Four “Ifs.” Philippians 2:1-4. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,” The four “if” questions in verse one are all answered with a strong, “Yes, there is!” These are certainties, not maybes, so it’s better to use the word “since” instead of “if.” When we are encouraged through being united in Christ, a personal relationship is established, which motivates every believer. From this connection with Him come all the fruits and benefits of salvation.
The comfort of love that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ is the knowledge as assurance that God loves us and that love was demonstrated to us when Christ died for us. We have been forgiven of our sins and given “the gift of God,” which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The fellowship follows this blessing, the sharing of our lives in common with the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. As the divine Instructor, He guides us into all truth, reveals more of Christ to us, and opens our minds and hearts to things yet to come.
Tenderness and compassion for fellow believers are fundamental signs that we have “passed from death unto life.” What happens to our brothers and sisters in Christ impacts us deeply. When they suffer, we naturally feel care and concern for them. Encouragement, comfort, fellowship, and compassion are all genuine in a believer’s mind and heart.
These realities make the joy of “others” complete and genuine for them. The unity of God’s people comes from being connected with Christ, loved by the Father, and sharing fellowship with the Holy Spirit. A servant of God strives to do what he's called to, often starting early and working late into the night. He hasn’t seen the results he hoped for, and he didn’t just pretend to work; he put in honest effort with his whole heart and soul to bring blessing to others. A fellow worker in Christ sometimes needs real encouragement, and who better to give it than me? “Sometimes we are called to harvest, and sometimes to plant the seed.”
A sister in Christ has lost her loved one and has been lonely for a long, long time. Each day feels the same as the one before, and she sees no hope for change. She desperately needs comfort: if only someone would stop by, show interest, and offer loving concern, they would find she has many good things to say and spiritual experiences to share. When the Spirit prompts you, don’t wait for someone else. Visit her and give her that meaningful book on your shelf that helped you through a difficult time.
This work ahead requires more workers than those currently laboring alone. When many gather in fellowship, it doesn’t take long before a lot is accomplished, and the end of a big project is in sight. While working toward a common goal, we enjoyed laboring together. We learned how valuable fellowship is, and it will continue to bless each person long after the task is done and everyone has gone home to rest. There is satisfaction, joy, and a smile on each face as we reflect on the blessings of that very special place in our minds.
There are some among us who are young and often overlooked by older people. They stand around waiting for tasks they can do and are willing to take on responsibility. Sadly, sometimes instead of giving them specific tasks, older members criticize, forgetting we were once young too. Show a little kindness and tenderness, include them in meaningful activities, and before you know it, those young folks will be actively involved in important roles within the community.
A small amount of compassion can go a very long way. Sometimes, what you do matters more than what you say. Look around at those in need, and let the Holy Spirit guide you to a place of service for God that you can fulfill. You will find more joy by meeting the needs of others than by running away to hide or getting involved in trivial pleasures. The saints of God who work to meet others' needs will discover sweet unity when they fellowship with God’s people. And as for myself, I will enjoy being the person I am meant to be.
Consolation is such a beautiful word; it finds its source in the risen Lord. The character of the word evokes thoughts of God’s great grace with its sound, bringing comfort to the darkest places of our souls. Its source is in Christ, like a well full of refreshing water that will make my soul rejoice in the Lord despite passing events that may come and go and yet make no sense. Such encouragement is needed because it comes from God and reminds us that He speaks to us through His written Word. It is not some kind of feeling that just comes and goes, but consolation gives assurance that God truly knows all the things that challenge and can bring us down when we live our lives as if we are on our own.
First of all, there is the “comfort of love,” the consolation in Christ provided by God’s great care. Consolation goes even further; it naturally binds us close in the Spirit’s hold through the “fellowship” the Holy Spirit offers. That encourages me in every way because it reminds me that I am not alone; the Father and the Son also abide with me as I go through life. Since the Spirit gave me a new birth, the Holy Spirit lives within me, offering life and guidance.
Care and mercy remain when we reflect on the past. God’s everlasting mercies fill us with joy, uniting us with all saints who have received such undeserved favor. Our amazement at God’s grace toward us—who are unworthy of any mercy—motivates us to worship and thank our Lord. Alongside other believers, we praise Him, our Savior and Lord. We offer our praise and thanksgiving in unity, honoring His holy name.
Consolation is truly felt when we share with the people of God what unites us as one in the Body of Christ, of which I am a part. From the bonds of such love, we will never part. Consolation in Christ with one accord and one mind will keep God’s people forever connected in the circle of fellowship into which I have been brought. It is into this fellowship I have been called, and this is my home.
To think like someone else, there has to be the same common denominator, a power beyond oneself that is common to both. To draw all the people of an assembly together, the source is the same, and the same objectives have to be shared. That is not just from common interest but comes from the soul, where our convictions are formed.
Loving in harmony would indicate a single main object of our affection or one person who has won everyone's hearts. It would keep us united because we would all be looking in the same direction toward the same Person who has captivated us. We would also share the same interests from the start of our relationship. One accord really describes similar pleasures, like musical harmony in our spirit. There is a sense of joy and fellowship linking us in one accord as the Spirit of God unites us, even though we are different in personalities and yet the same in interests. Each person has different gifts and abilities, but all are used in Jesus’ name to foster harmonious fellowship.
Reaching a common goal requires united thinking. Although each person is unique, we all recognize the motivation to come together and work as one. Our ultimate aim is to honor God’s Son. Showing God’s will as a gathered community of saints means each person prioritizes the interests and needs of others in their decisions. We are not a collection of individuals who just show up and do what we want. In a united house of God, we set aside personal independence to foster fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
A higher principle to learn in the kingdom of God is that “The way up is down.” When someone is called to lead in God's kingdom, they serve others. Selfish ambition and pride only cause division. Being united in mind, love, and spirit is the attitude of heaven. Whether a group is large or small, each gathering of God’s people will only function as God intends when there is room for everyone. To understand what other believers think and love, we communicate openly and in spiritual harmony. This way, each believer can be assured they are where they are meant to be.
There are several characteristics of the mind of Christ that the Spirit of God has outlined here. He relinquished His rights as God in heaven to fulfill God's will on earth. The attitude He demonstrated encourages us to seek opportunities to do God's will on behalf of others rather than focusing on our expectations of what others should do for us. He was, is, and always will be the eternal Son of God. He never ceased being who He was but added to His perfect humanity when He came to earth. He subjected Himself to human limitations to provide the redemption we needed. There is a principle here for practical Christian living: we should adopt the attitude of setting aside our own rights to serve others. Therefore, in the fellowship of the Spirit, we are to stand firm and exercise love through the Spirit. There is another presence, another Person, active in our lives. It is through Him that we can stay united with others.