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" o if there is any encouragement in believers provide ample opportunity for
us to help. As the word “any” (v1) im-
Christ, any comfort from love, any
Sparticipation in the Spirit, any af- plies, you do not have to solve the whole
fection and sympathy, complete my joy problem for the sufferer, but every fellow-
by being of the same mind, having the believer is part of the solution. Here are
same love, being in full accord and of one four suggestions (v1) for seeking to help
mind” (Php 2:1-2). a distressed believer:
1
In the consideration of Scriptures that 1. “Encouragement” is a verbal or non-
have four distinct thoughts for the believer verbal action that comforts or consoles.
to assimilate, these verses have two sets. Believers underestimate the power of the
This passage places our attitudes towards smallest effort here. “In Christ” gives the
distressed Christians between the admoni- context of our approach and assures that
tions of the imprisoned apostle Paul at the even the “cup of water” of encouragement
end of chapter 1 – “standing firm in one will have a positive effect. Doing anything
spirit, with one mind striving side by side is only negated by doing nothing.
for the faith of the gospel” (v27) – and the 2. “Comfort from love” combines the
staggering humility of the Lord Jesus in intent of decreasing the pain by giving the
chapter 2. The mercy (empathy) we show believer something they need to endure
is powered by the mind of the Lord Jesus the suffering. The question “How can I
in us (1Co 2:16) and among us (v5). His help make this better or lighten your bur-
mind in us mandates our attention to the den?” signals your empathy and desire to
suffering Christian. His mind among us show mercy to the afflicted. The believer
creates an assembly focused on that same may be so grieved or embarrassed by his
Christian. or her circumstances that your merciful of-
Every Christian eventually has per- fer is met with the reply, “Nothing” or, “I
sonal challenges requiring mercy from don’t know.” In addition to regular prayer
fellow-believers. Feeling sorry for their for the situation, be politely prescriptive
misfortunes (sympathy) is part of mercy, if you have something that might help.
but this admonition to biblical empathy
3. “Participation in the Spirit” considers
involves our actions to alleviate suffering. the strength intervening Christians must
The myriad trials, sin and suffering among take with them as they approach breth-
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the ren in need. Our union in Christ joins us
ESV. together. Their suffering is my suffering,
40 TRUTH kTidings February 2025