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Read: Philippians 2:1-2
Listen: Philippians 2

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…” Philippians 2:1

Paul encourages the Philippian Christian community in unity and love. He uses the Trinity to illustrate this idea. He instructs them to find unity in Christ, comfort in the Father’s love and fellowship in the Spirit. The Trinity exists in perfect unity, love and tenderness. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons, each with a specific role. But the three are united as one God. Paul encourages the Philippians that God intends the same kind of unity for them. He desires that they are both diverse and unified, marked by love for one another and unity.

The Trinity can be a mind-warping concept to understand. Christians have wrestled with the truth that God is three-in-one for centuries. We will never fully understand the Trinity here on earth. But we can see what God intends for us in our relationships in light of the Trinity. Before creation, God already existed within a united, tender and loving community. God created us to share the love found within the trinitarian relationship. He desires the same unity with us. He also longs to see us live in perfect unity with one another. God calls us to deeper relationships that seek loving unity above all.

TODAY: Spend a moment thanking God for his perfect love, modeled for us by the Trinity. Then join the Ada Bible Worship Team as they sing “Same God.” Reflect on the lyrics about God’s love and faithfulness throughout time and history.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Ezekiel 3-4. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Pay attention to Ezekiel’s call as a watchman. Reflect on how Jesus is the ultimate watchman who came to warn and save.