Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

In modern vernacular consolation is often thought of in terms of being given a consolation prize because you didn’t win the big prize or a prize of value.

How about we just remove any confusion. Let us read it this way; If there be any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,…

Does that help? It might help remove confusion but it also removes the object of consideration, Christ. The Greek word here is parakaleō where the most frequent word with this meaning, lit. denotes “to call to one’s side,” hence, “to call to one’s aid.”

If that sounds familiar it is because we covered it yesterday in encouragement. Like I said, the word covers a wide range of emotions. The use here denotes a walking with, being alongside, and once again begins a longer lists of effects solicited by that action.

V2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

The following verse brings all those effects into focus. It would please Him greatly if we could all share in this experience together, being in agreement, and not holding ourselves apart. I added this last thought because I have already peeked at the next verse.

V3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

It is that holding of the door, you first, no you first, no you first, that is the essence of God’s goal in Christ, that we would have a desire to go nowhere without you. The ultimate in leave no man behind.

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Comfort here is the Greek word parakaleō where the most frequent word with this meaning, lit. denotes “to call to one’s side,” hence, “to call to one’s aid.” It is used for every kind of calling to a person which is meant to produce a particular effect, hence, with various meanings, such as “comfort, exhort, desire, call for,” in addition to its significance “to beseech,” which has a stronger force than aiteo. (Quoted from Vine’s Dictionary)

Comfort is replaced with the word encouragement in some bible versions. I choose to use the word encouragement here for the singular purpose of enforcing a future effect which goes beyond the present condition.

Parakaleō elicits a wide variety of emotions. It is meant to touch each of us in that special effect which is particular to our own needs. Some of us need more than words. We might need someone to come to our aid or stand firm with us to evoke comfort or encouragement. For others a gracious word is enough. For some it might just be a scripture that is revealed in truth for the first time.

Encouragement takes many forms and what is found to be effective will come from forming a close personal relationship with others within the body of Christ, fellowship.

What encourages you? Do the people you fellowship with know that? Do you find it difficult to show others that you are needy? Do you appear too needy? A balance must be found in order that everyone’s needs are met.

This is the basis for joining small groups.