An Encouraging Attitude: Phil 1:1

Paul certainly understood the challenges of being a Christian. Consider how difficult it must have been to transition from Saul the Pharisee, who imprisoned and killed Christians, to Paul the apostle. It must have seemed an impossible task to gain the trust of the church he spent so much time and energy persecuting. Had it not been for Barnabas' faith and encouragement the early church may not have accepted Paul. Paul knew the strength of encouragement. He experienced its effects in his own life and was quick to share it with others. So, like in most of his letters, Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi on a positive note. By examining Paul's positive attitude toward the church we can better learn how to be a source of encouragement today.

Paul expressed confidence in the church. ""For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus"" (v.6). Have you ever heard somebody say, ""I have faith in you,"" or ""I know you can do it?"" Those words can reenergize us and propel us forward. They move our focus from our shortcomings to our potential. Just knowing that someone else has confidence in us can give us confidence in ourselves. So, if the church is experiencing difficulties and despair is growing like weeds, express your faith in your fellow brethren and the Christ who owns them. If somebody is having difficulty understanding or obeying scripture encourage them to work to get through it. Confidence is contagious, so let's start spreading it.

He also revealed his desire for their purity and growth. ""And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God"" (v. 9-11). It is our desire and motivation that keeps us going. Without focus and purpose we will fall victim to the world we are trying so desperately to overcome. We should encourage others to focus on growth and not be content with ""lukewarm"" Christianity. We must motivate and uplift each other. If we see a brother living in sin we should approach him in love and offer our aid and support.

Paul prayed for the church, as well. ""I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now"" (vv. 3-5). How great a comfort it is to know that someone would beseech the Lord on our behalf, and not out of obligation, but because they truly care about us. For example, food, flowers, cards, and company are helpful when we are sick, but prayer can be the most comforting and the most effective help. Prayer comforts us because we know the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous and has the power to make a difference. Paul is an excellent example for us because even when it seemed he should have been focused on his own personal welfare he was busy asking the Lord to help others instead. We should remember to pray for the continued growth of the church and others, and let others know that we have prayed on their behalf.

The wonderful thing about encouragement is that it's a two way street. Not only is it contagious (meaning others usually return the favor), but we feel uplifted just by knowing we uplifted others. By seeing the strength in others we feel stronger and more secure ourselves. We, as individuals, can use these and other avenues of encouragement to do our part in strengthening the church today just as Paul used them to strengthen the early church.