If you are a Christian, then you are the recipient of many blessings from God. Notice what Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus: God “hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). We are blest, even though we often take those blessings for granted.
In Philippians 2:1,2 Paul reminds the believers in Philippi just what they have in Christ. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy…” The “if” of this passage could be translated “since” in order to convey the intended meaning. Paul was reminding them what they had received because of their relationship to Christ. They had received encouragement. They had received comfort. They had received fellowship. They had received tenderness and compassion. And so have we. Indeed, every Christian has received these things. They are benefits that come from knowing Christ.
Has being accepted by Christ into His family been an encouragement to you? Absolutely! It is always encouraging to be accepted rather that rejected. Has His love given you comfort? Certainly! Knowing that you are loved always gives comfort and a sense of security. Has the Holy Spirit enabled you to enjoy sweet and intimate communion with God? No doubt about it! Has God shown you tenderness? Has He shown you compassion? The answer is a resounding yes!
Remembering what we have received in Christ gives us perspective. You see, we have been blest way beyond what we deserve. Having been made the recipients of these and so many more blessings, we should be people of praise and grateful service.
