Philippians: Chapter 2

Dear reader,

"Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." - verse 4.

When Paul said these words, he was referring specifically to the attitude of Jesus. You see, when Jesus came into the world, that act alone was God's selfless love because He knew by giving Jesus to the world, He would leave by dying on the cross for me and you. Therefore, Jesus wasn't thinking about himself, He was thinking about us and as we are all called to be more like Christ - this means we should adopt the same attitude of being selfless.

How does this look like?

Personally, I am not a selfish person. However, I do believe that there's more that I can do selflessly. Also, I love the NLT translation of this verse because it uses the word 'interest', which means "the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone", so it's not about doing something you don't want to do for the sake of 'being selfless', it's about a genuine desire to focus on someone else - it comes from a place of love rather than obligation and the beauty of this is, you can show an interest in other people in different ways. Here are a few suggestions:

• By listening to others, not zoning out just because you can't relate but consciously taking the time to be attentive and perhaps try to understand.

• Being available. Sometimes it just takes a simple sentence to let people know that you are there for them if they need it.

• Compromise. I'm not suggesting doing something against your values, but you can become selfish by always getting your way because it's convenient for you.

• Share. I love this one because if you're like me, the first thing that comes to my mind is food. Yes, it can be hard sometimes but it is still true that sharing is caring.

• Be patient. I genuinely believe that being patient is an act of selflessness, waiting for someone shows that you care, even if you have something else to do - waiting shows that you're choosing to put your plans aside to allow someone to complete their plans.
  

Jesus' selfless acts made Him attractive - people wanted to be around him ALL THE TIME. He had friends, specifically 12 close friends (the disciples), who went everywhere and did everything with him. I believe that one of the reasons why he had friends was because he showed them what it meant to be a friend first - a selfless friend. Honestly, this is a truth to know - to have friends, you must be a friend first.

My Prayer:

Lord, thank you for showing us what it means to be selfless by dying on the cross for us. For those who have not experienced this love of a selfless friend, I pray that they will come to know this and that your word through Paul will also encourage them to take an interest in others and be a friend first. Amen.

Yours Sincerely,

Damilola.