THINK WELL OF OTHERS

SATURDAY 06 NOVEMBER 2021

Thinking well of others is an act of godly character and inward generosity, which brings a whole cohort of positive effects and impact into people's life and in turn, ensures our personal advancement and well being. Then going extra mile as a Christian to have an honest thought and pray for someone or people who don't quite get along with you and even those who don't treat you right is the pinnacle of expressing God's love. Just having the intention to wish people well can impel the forces of nature to work in your favour.

Reference: Philippians 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV) "Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ."

Apostle Paul is a channel of divine blessing to others. He always took genuine interest in his followers and was deeply engaged with them from his very heart. Regardless of the fact that He was in chains, striving to defend and validate the confirmation of the gospel, he looked away from himself by breaking away from his problem at that point and shifting his attention to others. Through such thoughts, prayers and affection for them, they grew in grace and began to abound more and more in the knowledge of God and in all spiritual discernment, as they went deeper in the things of the Spirit. This is why Paul specifically mentioned in the above verse, that they were partakers of grace with him.

Paying attention to think right of others and wish them well in a sincere manner is totally a divine experience. It is the full expression of the mind of Christ and the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT): "For we have the mind of Christ." It is also the mirroring of God's thought for His own children, which says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV). Having the right thoughts about others, especially fellow Christians, will not only make them feel assured of God's love flowing through us, we are also positively influencing and building them up for a long-term commitment to Christ because they truly see Christ at work in us.

Paul says, "For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ", which means that he was deeply interested and connected to them just like Christ loves the church which is "the body of Christ." In Ephesians 5:25 Paul, speaking of Christ and the church engagement, functioned in line with the truth that Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. For instance, in verses 29-30, Paul says, "Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, for we are members of His body." This is exactly the way Paul valued and treated the Christian believers in Philippi and in other churches he ministered to.

1 John 2:6 (ESV) says, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." In other words, those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. With this reasoning, Paul expressed the very same affection that Jesus Christ showed those he preached and ministered to. And also, Paul was able to demonstrate this affection for others, because of Christ in him. In chapter two of Philippians, he said, "Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all" (verse 17 ESV), which is, to a small extent, likened to what Christ did sacrificially for our salvation. So this is an in-depth emotional expression of godly affection for other Christians. In fact, its a supernatural affection that produces strong faith in God in our Christian experience and fellowship in the gospel of Christ. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 19:14; Philippians 2:1-7; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:8.

Exuberant Declaration: My thoughts are true, noble, right and pure about fellow Christians; they are lovely, excellent and praiseworthy. I live according to the revelation of God's will and I habitually think right of others and act accordingly, because I'm bound to live as Christ lived. I'm daily inspired by the Word to be a blessing and to influence others positively and heartily, as I walk with God, and I reach out to many in a every good way and well-meaning manner. Hallelujah!