Reflections on Justiceنموونە

Having been with believers in the church in Philippi, Paul understood well their way of life. He also received reports about how they were living. With that understanding he wrote to them, instructing them not to look only on their own interests, but to consider others.

In other words, he warned them not to be selfish. Not to let their care and attention be wholly absorbed by their own concerns or by the concerns of their own family. Demonstrate a tender interest for the happiness of the whole and let the welfare of others lie near your hearts. This, of course, does not mean that there is to be any improper interference in the business of others, or that we are to have the character of busybodies in other people’s matters, but that we are to regard with appropriate care the welfare of others, and to strive to do them good.

The responsibility is ours, collectively. No one is at liberty to live for themselves, to disregard the wants of others. We are called to break up the narrow spirit of selfishness and to replace it with love and benevolent regard for the happiness of others.

Challenge: How often have you concerned yourself with the interests of others? Do you care? Do you help? Start with prayer.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating us to be part of families and communities. Help us not only to look for our own interests but also to look to the interests of others. We cannot do this without your help, so please be with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.