"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:4-5
One of the most tenderhearted gifts I received from the Lord before my grandpa went to be with Jesus happened in a hospital room. I quickly rushed to my hometown, driving through the most ridiculous storm, to see him. The storm, while not what I was hoping to be driving through, matched the turmoil of my heart. Sad, angry, and emotions flowing.
As I made my way through the hospital hallways, with a heart full of panic, I was instantly struck with deep grief when I saw him. He was sleeping in the chair, looking weak and withering away, and as I knew - slipping forward into eternity. As I approached his chair, he woke up to me saying, "Grampa, it's Chelsey. It's me, Chelsey." His response floods my eyes with tears, and I'll never forget his face. He opened his eyes, searching my face, then with the most genuine smile said, "Chelsey's here. I'm so happy you're here." What a gift this was and what a gift it will always be to my grieving heart. His smile changed everything for me. It marked my life, reminding me what a gift it is to be there for our people and what a gift a simple smile can be.
A smile can be the gift you give that you never knew someone needed. Showing up for your friends and family in a small way can make an impact that will last a lifetime - to both you and them. The smile I received was a two-fold blessing. It was the assurance for my heart that Grampa was still with us and still knew who I was. And, in God's loving-kindness, He used this moment to prepare my heart for what I will cling to as I journey through the rest of my days without my beloved grandfather.
Philippians 2:1-5 says, "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..."
God gave Paul the words that we have the honor of living by, and we see these truths spelled out for us of what it looks like to love those around us, encourage those around us, and be the light when others need it most. It all comes from the heart and mind of Christ. Jesus' love, Jesus' comfort, Jesus' affection, and Jesus' sympathy.
When we acknowledge that our oneness with Christ goes far beyond our call to do ministry, it's a reminder that we are one with Christ in our minds, which changes the ways we think about others and shifts the way we can meet their needs.
We see another reminder in the Word, Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Dying to the flesh and being born again to be one with Christ reveals that we serve from the Spirit and not the flesh. There is a gift in our coming to be with people, in our going out to serve those around us, and in being the tangible example of the hands and feet of Jesus. So today, smile at someone next to you, hug a loved one a little tighter, and never underestimate the power of Jesus' love to flow through you as you walk with Him.
Let's pray:
Father, thank you for the gifts you give us as we walk through grief. Your love is evident in the way you allow yourself to be seen and experienced. Help me show your love, grace, affection, and sympathy in ways that glorify and honor you. Give me someone to show your love to today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/AleksandarNakic
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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