June 03, 2025
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Philippians 2:1–2
As I have pored over Luke’s descriptions and observations, looking for insights into the Savior’s life, I have been intrigued by His responses to others. How could any man be as patient as He was? How could He keep His cool under constant fire? How could He demonstrate so much grace, so much compassion, and at the same time so much determination?
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Philippians 2:1–2)
As I have pored over Luke’s descriptions and observations, looking for insights into the Savior’s life, I have been intrigued by His responses to others. How could any man be as patient as He was? How could He keep His cool under constant fire? How could He demonstrate so much grace, so much compassion, and at the same time so much determination? And when faced with the Pharisees’ continued badgering and baiting, how could He restrain Himself from punching their lights out? As a man, He had all the emotions we have as human beings. What was it that gave Him the edge we so often lack? It was His attitude. To return to Webster’s words, He acted and felt as He did because of His “disposition,” His “mental set.”
All this brings up a question: What is the most Christlike attitude on earth? Think before you answer too quickly. I am certain many would answer love. That is understandable, for He did indeed love to the uttermost. Others might say patience. Again, not a bad choice. I find no evidence of impatience or anxious irritability as I study His life. Grace would also be a possibility. No man or woman ever modeled or exhibited the grace that He demonstrated right up to the moment He breathed His last.
As important as those traits may be, however, they are not the ones Jesus Himself referred to when He described Himself for the only time in Scripture. I am thinking of those familiar words:
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)
Did you catch the key words? “I am humble and gentle at heart,” which might best be summed up in the one word unselfish. According to Jesus’ testimony, that is the most Christlike attitude we can demonstrate. Because He was so humble—so unselfish—the last person He thought of was Himself.