Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. —Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

Isn’t it remarkable that Jesus clarifies how we are to love one another? He could have just said, “Love others,” and left it up to us to determine what that looked like. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knowing how much we love ourselves, defined love as sacrificial. Love others so much that you would deny yourself for them. This is the essence of Christmas: Jesus laid down His heavenly existence, denied Himself by coming to earth as a baby, and then took up His cross and loved us to death.

My goodness! Do I emulate Him at all? In truth, my first reaction to most things is selfish. Only in Christ can I attempt to be selfless, let alone succeed. Therefore, I was intrigued when our pastor ended a recent sermon with a powerful question that resonated with me. He suggested that Christmastime is an opportunity to reflect Jesus’ selflessness in a self-centered world. Then he asked, “How can you love those around you like you love yourself?” What a great question! What do I want? I’d like to be loved, affirmed, accepted, shown grace, encouraged, etc. Okay, then, let’s do it! I was fired up for a couple of days.

Then, two days later, as I was leaving the mall, I paused at a four-way intersection, waiting for the car across from me to make a move. I needed to turn left but wasn’t sure if they were also turning left or driving straight across the intersection. Wanting to avoid an accident, I waited a couple of extra seconds before turning. Then I heard the dreaded, long “Beep!” of annoyance behind me. Sadly, someone thought I was taking too long to turn. “What is your problem?” I muttered to myself. Then I realized I was their problem! Let me be clear: at that moment, my heart was empty of love, acceptance, and grace.

So, is this the exception to the rule? Was it okay for me to be annoyed at someone for being impatient? Was my hate justified? No! These types of encounters are precisely when I need to deny myself. It’s also when my need for Jesus is most evident. Fortunately, when my love, acceptance, and grace waver, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is always there for me, patiently leading me to love and selflessness because His love and forgiveness never fail.

This truth encourages me because I know that being “perfect” like Jesus only happens by being united in Christ. The comfort I receive in His love is a gift that Jesus asks all of us to share with others. This Christmas, as I shop for perishable gifts, I’m asking God for the opportunity to forgive and love with tenderness and compassion all who are lost. (Even the impatient drivers!) By God’s grace and power, He will do it!

Merry Christmas!

Father, forgive me for being so quick to judge and condemn, forgetting all You have done for me. Lead me into Your presence, where I experience Your overwhelming patience and love. Give me the heart of a servant and the willingness to value others above myself. Amen.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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