Fill up, pour out

Following Jesus means emulating his sacrifice. Giving yourself to others involves some inherent suffering. You cannot sacrifice unless you have something to give. Paul says that what we have to give is what Jesus gives to us; the encouragement, comfort and fellowship that are found in Christ and His Spirit (Phil 2:1) We are to fill up on the blessings of Christ and pour ourselves out for others. Nobody is going to choose to suffer without some promise of remuneration. Again, we follow Christ’s example. He was obedient to death knowing that his Father would reward him with a name that is above all names (Phil 2:5-11). Being a disciple of Jesus is to become a channel of blessing; receiving the spiritual resources to pour out on others in full expectation that God will refill and reward us.