Paul gives us four important words in Philippians 2:1. They are encouragement, comfort, fellowship (common sharing) in the Spirit and tenderness and compassion, which I am treating as one.

Comfort. The world at the time of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi was full of uncertainty. They suffered from earthquakes, disease, famines, and war. Sin was rampant and many Christ followers suffered great persecution.

Many turned to false gods, many turned to the use of ancient magic to control circumstances in their lives. But they found no comfort in these things.

Paul writes throughout this letter that circumstances must not be allowed to dictate joy or our attitude. We must always choose joy and never live “under the circumstances. We must always choose to serve rather than be served. We must always put Jesus first, others second, then ourselves. This was the formula for joy!

Paul was reminding the Christ followers in Philippi of the encouragement from being “in Christ.” He also reminded them of the comfort that was theirs. Since there was encouragement and since there was comfort found in Christ, they could rest easy knowing that a loving God was in control of the world around them. They could take comfort knowing that through Him, they would ultimately have victory. This was their and it is our hope.

This hope, found in Christ, would bring comfort to them. It also would enable them to bring encouragement and comfort to others in their time of need. Just as Paul took joy knowing that many were coming to Christ because of his difficulties, we too can take joy in being a source of encouragement and comfort.

The same God who was helping Paul and the Philippians is helping us. Always take comfort in the fact that God promised to never leave you nor forsake you. He has a plan for your life. He desires to bless you and to prosper you. His plan includes a future that is not based on your past and He plans no harm for you. Rest in His plan. Rest in the comfort that if your today!

Take comfort!

Always in Pursuit!

Don