Philippians 2:1 uses the word "if" in the sense of "since" or "because." There is no sense of "maybe" in this verse unless you aren't a true believer. If you are a true believer, here are four things that you have as a resource:

Consolation / Encouragement in Christ

His accomplishments and teaching during His earthly ministry, His cross, His resurrection, His attentiveness and presence now within us, His plan, and His promises give us all reason for hope and the strength to continue.

See Matthew 28:18-20; John 16:33; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 4:13; II Peter 1:2-4.

Comfort from His Love

The assurances of His love from Scripture and the actions of His love in our life allow us to be strengthened and to never feel alone. Are we paying attention to this love? Are we receptive and responsive to the consoling of His love?

See Romans 5:1-5; II Corinthians 5:14-15; Ephesians 3:14-19.

Fellowship / Partnership with His Spirit

We have an active relationship with Jesus Christ. He shares of Himself as we live and labor in His name. We may talk to Him as we would any other person.

See John 14:13-18,26; Romans 8:9-16,26; Ephesians 6:18; I John 3:24; 4:13; II Corinthians 13:14.

Bowels and Mercies / Tender Affections and Compassion

If you "taste and see that the Lord is good / gracious," then you have a testimony that all of the above is true. You have witnessed in your own life and in the lives of others that the Lord answers prayer, that He gives even more than you can ask or think, that He is faithful and will never leave you or forsake you.

See Psalm 34:8 (cp. I Peter 2:2-3; 5:7); I John 5:14-15; Ephesians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 5:24; II Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 13:5-6,20-21.

Philippians 2:2-5 gives us three things to ponder concerning what it means to have the "mind of Christ."

• Philippians 2:2 - Like-mindedness with other brothers and sisters in Christ

 

• Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and mutual care for other brothers and sisters in Christ

 

• Philippians 2:5 - Synchronization with the mind of Christ

Focus on Philippians 2:5

We are called to imitate the patterns of Christ's thinking, attitudes, and actions when He became a man, served the Heavenly Father on earth, and died on the cross. To do this, we must not only think like Him. We should think with Him (I Corinthians 2:9-16; Romans 12:1-3; Philippians 3:12-16; II Corinthians 10:3-5 cp. 12:7-10). Ours is an interactive relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ. Don't reduce this to merely living on the memories of a dead relative.