1. Believe the Truth about ourselves

in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

I Love Paul for starting here. He knows that nothing inflates our egos like helping people. You see, you can’t help someone unless you are stronger. Now not only am I capable of helping, but I’m also better than you because I want to help. Look, I’m better than all these people who aren’t helping.

What does he say? Count, reckon, honestly believe that others are more significant than yourselves. What does that require of you? That you be honest.

Do you really care about your cynicism? Do you really want to see that anger inside of you die? Here is step one. Inside the heart of every cynic is the belief that I am not getting what I deserve. I deserve more respect than this.

Inside the heart of every Christian is the belief that I am not getting what I deserve. I deserve more hatred, disdain and shame than this.

2. Serve Each Other

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Bianca made a new facebook friend last week by stopping to tell someone she did a good job. Bianca was shocked to her this girl was so intimidated, and afraid she was doing a bad job.

Why is honest, true encouragement so hard to come by? I can’t do it if I am thinking about myself.

If your undying attention is fixed on how everyone feels about you, if you are only thinking about yourself, then you will always feels slighted and angry.

But if you spend your time and energy actually trying to make someone else feel welcome, feel encouraged, and make them comfortable. You will go to bed tired at night, but you will sleep well.

3. Suffer with Each Other

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

We go through it all together. Every funeral, divorce, miscarriage and heartbreak. Psalm 34 tells us God is near to the brokenhearted, he reveals himself through the church.

The Biggest Loser is about to begin a new season. Two fitness experts are going to stand in front of some overweight, discouraged and out of shape contestants. They will communicate, if you do what I tell you, then you will look like I look.

Today Jesus still stands in front of you with a crown of thorns and nail pierced hands and feet. If you do what he tells you, then you will look like he looks. But, remember this. He is also the most beloved person who has ever walked the Earth. And remember he endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. His body is scarred, but he is smiling and he is never alone. He is surrounded by those who love him.