Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Philippians 2:1-5
Dear God, parenting is different than any other kind of relationship. We all need our parents to help form us and teach us different aspects of life. By the nature of the relationship, there is going to be conflict.
The same is true, in some ways, with my relationship with you. I can sometimes reject the lessons you try to teach me. I can complain or even hold a grudge against you. I can feel sorry for myself. I can let it drive me out of pursuing my relationship with you.
Father, as I try to follow Paul’s advice to the Philippians in this passage, help me to start with dying to myself and purifying my own motives when it comes to interacting with you or others, including my wife, children, family of origin, coworkers, and community. Make me an instrument of your peace.
In Jesus’s name I pray,
Amen
Emails to God 