Joy, Part 2 // The Rev. Magrey deVega // January 9, 2022

In this famous Christ hymn of the early church, Paul encourages us to have the mind of Jesus Christ. It is in the kenosis (self-emptying) of Jesus that he shows us that the way to true life is not through selfish ambition and rising to greatness, but through service, humility, and obedience. That can be a gateway to joy, as we are liberated from the needs of self and freed to love God and others. (thus fulfilling the great commandment). The central part of this text is verses 3 and 4. They are both necessary. It begins with the mindset of being selfless; it is expressed by assuming the best in others.