Although this week’s epistle reading begins at Philippians 2:1, it is part of Paul’s larger exhortatory section, beginning at 1:27 and continuing through 2:18. The text read today is the apostle’s continuation of the directive first expressed in 1:27, where he challenged the Philippians to conduct themselves in such a way to create a community that reflects Christ himself. A community of faith united in their actions and attitudes will stand firm against the outside forces that oppose Christ and will be free from internal dissension and discord.

It seems self evident that Paul’s message suggests internal tensions and disagreements that were causing friction within the Philippian church. Yet Paul’s words are not yet harsh. In fact, his tone here is encouraging. Paul invokes the lyrical langu…