Check out these key words:

• “Consolation” (v.1) – The Greek word is παράκλησις (par-ak’-lay-sis), which means encouragement, exhortation, consolation, or even comfort. Basically, another word for this is encouragement. Are you an encourager? Do you need encouragement?
• “Comfort” (v.1) – The Greek word is παραμύθιον (par-am-oo’-thee-on). The definition of comfort is consolation, exhortation, or persuasion. It is formed from the Greek verb παραμυθέομαι (paramutheomai), which means “to comfort” or “to console.”
• “Fellowship” (v.1) – The Greek word is κοινωνία (koy-nohn-ee’-ah). This word has to do with fellowship, communion, participation, sharing, or even partnership. Are you in or out of fellowship with the brethren?
• “Bowels” (v.1) – The Greek word is σπλάγχνον (splangkh’-non). It means compassion, affection, heart, the inward parts; it can be considered the seat of the feelings.
• “Compassion” (v.1) – The Greek word is οἰκτιρμός (oyk-tir-mos’), which means mercy, pity, compassion, favor, grace, or mercy. Are you known as a person of compassion or as judgmental?

• “Joy” (v.2) – The Greek word is χαρά (khar-ah’), which means gladness or delight. Do you fill the saints with grief or delight?
• “Likeminded” (v.2) – The Greek word is σύμψυχος (soom’-psoo-khos), which means united in spirit, harmonious, or of one accord. That describes the early Church. Are you likeminded or always argumentative?

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

• “Strife” (v.3) – The Greek word is ἐριθεία (er-ith-i’-ah), which means selfish ambition, rivalry, or self-seeking, a feud, or a faction. Are you finding yourself being selfish when it comes to serving in the Church? Look out for #1!
• “Vainglory” (v.3) – The Greek word is κενδοξία (ken-od-ox-ee’-ah). It has to do with being empty, conceited, or vain. Basically, it means empty pride. Perhaps this negative trait lies deep down inside most Christians, especially outside the grace of God.
• “Esteeming” (v.3) – The Greek word is ἡγέομαι (hayg-eh’-om-ahee). It has to do with leading and guiding. Did you notice the next phrase?
• “Better than” (v.3) – This means to surpass, excel, or be superior—to rise above. In other words, we are to lead and guide others to rise above or to be superior. Can you honestly say that is true about yourself? This is convicting, isn’t it?

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Conclusion: What a heart-searching and life-changing passage! Certainly, if this scripture is applied to our lives by the Holy Spirit, it will make a huge difference in the way we relate to others in the Church.