What do people see, feel, and receive in the Church that is unique in our world? In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul sets the foundation for Christian community on the character of Christ. When his mind, heart, and hands are evident in the fellowship of his people, we find a life of true, resilient joy. It was for the joy of communion that Jesus emptied himself of status and pretense, choosing a life of humble service. It was at his lowest, on the cross, where the radiance of God's glory and the depth of his love was most clearly revealed. Jesus shows us the image of God, and he shows us what it looks like to live reflecting that image. Paul encourages all believers to strive for unity in imitating Christ, seeking opportunities to put others first and regularly examining our lives for the selfishness and self-centeredness that threaten to withdraw us from the work of the Spirit in us.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Philippians 2:1-18⁠⁠⁠⁠ (NRSV)⁠⁠⁠

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