How can we nurture our relationships with family and friends through the difficult circumstance of chronic illness? Diane shares.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
Relationships. Just the very word often brings up a multitude of feelings and emotions. Everyone, regardless of their health or circumstances, has had joys, conflicts, successes, and failures concerning their relationships with others. Often when we are ill or dealing with family members who are ill, relationships take a real beating.
Perhaps that’s why Paul encourages us to study and reflect Christ’s example in our lives. He expresses we are to look at others through Christ’s eyes; revealing examples of how we can walk in the “mindset” of Christ.
Considering others first, Philippians 2:6-7 tells us Christ chose not to use His deity or equality with the Father to His advantage. In modern terms, He didn’t use His position to belittle others or throw His weight around.
Showing Humility, He made Himself “nothing”, a ‘servant.” The King of Kings became a human being, and though He lived a completely sinless, holy life, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death– even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Yes, our goal for our attitudes in life and in our relationships is set high–much higher than we could ever hope to achieve in our own abilities. But we have an advantage, a bit of favoritism you might say. We, Christ’s adopted children and family, have the grace and forgiveness of our heavenly Father; plus, we have the wisdom and strength of His Holy Spirit to guide and mold us.
Thankfully, we are not asked to make the same sacrifice as our Savior Jesus (death on the cross) but we are asked to die to self, “not looking at your own interests but each of you the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
May we all choose, as Paul urged, to seek to maintain the “mindset” of Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Dear Father, how we thank You for the sacrifices You willingly made on our behalf. I pray that we will all continue to work through the challenges in our lives with the mindset that You have shown us. May we choose to be a loving example of who are to all those we meet and love. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in central Florida, she is blessed to have three grown children, and a wonderful husband who is also her caregiver in those difficult times of illness. She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with many digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art, writing. He desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God ordained opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
What do you find most challenging in your personal relationships? How has the Holy Spirit helped you to overcome your most difficult attitudes in your relationships, or your attitude in general?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 