Everyone wants to be happy. It is one of our deepest longings and a fundamental desire of our hearts. The problem is we tend to look for happiness in the wrong places – money, career, marriage – without realizing that the happiness these things bring us is finite. So where do we find true happiness? God gives us the answer in the book of Philippians.

Many people consider Paul’s letter to the Philippians to be the book of joy, but this book goes beyond that. The true foundation of Philippians lies in the intimate relationship that the Apostle Paul had with God, the subsequent relationship he had with others, and how his love for both God and others produced joy. Love and joy are inseparable because they are the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:22). Loving God produces a love for others, and when we love God and others, it allows us to experience true joy. We learn how we can best love others in Philippians 1.

Prayer

Paul wrote his letter to the saints, which means people set apart for God, overseers, and deacons in the Philippian church (vv. 1-2). The church in Philippi was near and dear to the heart of Paul, and he loved them so much that he often prayed for them (vv. 3-4). Prayer is one of the best ways to show our love for people. But love doesn’t stop with those we like. Matthew 5:44 not only tells us to love our enemies, but it is also immediately followed by the command to pray for them. Love prays unceasingly, even if it means praying for decades so we can see the Lord at work in their hearts and lives. Love prays because it desires God’s best for others.

Encouragement

We encourage the people that we love. Paul was a great encourager to the Philippians, affirming them of their partnership with him in the work of the gospel (vv. 5,7), and sharing with them his confidence that God would complete His good work in them (v. 6). Oftentimes, it can be our default attitude to be discouraging rather than encouraging, we see the bad in people instead of the potential. Encouragement isn't just about saying nice things. It's choosing words that build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29). We find what we focus on. Love encourages others by seeing what they can become in Christ.

Perspective

Our perspective shapes our past and future. Not only does our perspective affect the way we view God, but it also affects the way we view others, and it influences the way we think, feel, and act. Having the right perspective means viewing our circumstances the lens of God’s word, promises, and character. Problems will inevitably overwhelm us when we have a small view of God, but the right perspective of God allows us to push fear aside and trust that God is with us no matter what. Paul, despite being imprisoned for his faith, chose to see his suffering as an opportunity to share Jesus (Philippians 1:12-14). No matter what circumstances you face today, trust that God causes all things to work together for our good, for His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Experiencing true joy comes out of loving God and loving others. Love is the root; joy is the fruit.

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LAST WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, (Philippians 1:9)