July 5, 2026
Complete My Joy
As human beings, we often gravitate toward those things that bring us encouragement, provide comfort, extend compassion and understanding, and give us a sense of belonging. If we are involved with something that lacks these qualities, we often leave it quickly. We don’t want to be part of something that discourages us and leaves us feeling defeated daily. If something makes us feel uncomfortable, we will try to avoid it, and if we are part of a group yet feel separated and isolated, we will be on the lookout for another group to join. Granted, we cannot change these things in all situations, but if we can make improvements and have the will, we often seek the better alternative that offers encouragement, comfort, and compassion.
The church should be a place that embodies all of these qualities. It should be a palace that encourages, a place that brings comfort, a place where one feels belonging, and a place that spreads compassion among one another. In the first two verses of Philippians chapter 2, Paul, by inspiration, gives us insight into how the church can achieve this. He writes, “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” (Philippians 2:1-2 ESV).
What will bring complete joy to Paul and allow for any encouragement, comfort, fellowship, and sympathy is unity among the brethren. However, Paul doesn’t just say unity is the solution, for that would allow many to misinterpret what he instructs here. If he did that, it would allow many to project their own views of unity, and often they miss it. For the past two millennia, many groups within Christendom have tried to create unity by their own ideas and standards and have only added to the confusion and division. But thankfully, Apostle Paul provides in this text what Biblical unity in a congregation looks like. He gives us three qualifications.
First, there is to be the “same mind.” The Greek means to “think the same way.” There is to be agreement in how they think, view, and understand things. This refers to agreement on doctrine within the local church. Second, Paul says they are to have the “same love” for each other. The type and degree of love will be defined in this chapter (2:5ff), and it is a caring, serving, sacrificial love toward one another. Finally, Paul says they are to be in “full accord and of one mind.” The Greek tells us that this phrase refers to having a joined soul. In other words, Paul desires that they share the same passion and aim within the body.
So, in order for Paul’s joy to be perfected and completed, he desires that the members of the local congregation of Philippi agree in biblical doctrine, share the same love for one another, and pursue the same aim they are all passionately working toward. If any of these is missing, Paul’s joy will not be completed.
But what about the local church we are part of? Is there unity in name only, or do we possess these qualities with one another? Do we seek to agree on the same Rule of Faith, exhibit a sacrificial, serving love toward others, and share the same goal within the body? Remember, if these things are absent, the place that should provide encouragement, comfort, fellowship, and compassion will not be found. Let us all, in our individual lives, help our local congregation by contributing to these aspects.
- Christian Joyner
Past Articles
Boldness in Opposition 6/28/2026
Walking in a Worthy Manner 6/21/2026
Rejoicing in the Preaching of the Gospel 6/7/2026
Encouraging Boldness 5/31/2026
The Gospel In Unfavorable Circumstances 5/24/2026
Goodness From Knowledge 5/17/2026
God's Finished Work 5/10/2026
Our Identity 4/26/2026