Paul writes to a church with opponents (1:28), ongoing struggles (1:30), and internal division (4:2). Under pressure, they're turning to power plays. But what will the citizens of Philippi think about Jesus if power plays tear the church apart? Paul knows his friends are anxious for his well-being. So he pleads with them: if you want me to have joy in prison, there's one thing you could do. Instead of worrying about me, be anxious to love one another. If their unity would make Paul happy, then how much joy might it bring them? He knows his friends are alive in Christ: he and Timothy preached the gospel to them, led them to faith, baptized them, and gathered them into a new church. So he reminds them of their joy: the encouragement from Christ, the love from the Father, the fellowship from the Spirit, and the deep affection that first marked their friendships. If God has given his love to them, can they love each other now? The tone is warm, but the implicit critique is sharp. Paul is indirectly pointing out that the church is acting with two minds. Instead of thinking about what God wants, they are arguing for their positions. Instead of sharing God's love, they are loving what they want. Instead of being unified with God's Spirit, they are divided into their camps. Instead of conforming their lives to God's goals, they are pursuing their own advantage. In their day, humility wasn't a virtue, but a slur. The culture valued being great: high status, noble pedigree, exalted lives. Humility was forced upon slaves, women, and the weak. You were only humble if you had lost the game of pride. But Paul says this ambition is corrupt: it's selfish. He says the desire to be exalted is empty. When these verses are misused, they're twisted to say we shouldn't take care of ourselves. We're to be doormats who only meet the needs of others. Paul is more careful. He wants them to take responsibility for both themselves and the welfare of their community. Perhaps someone wanted Paul to take their side. Paul wants everyone to take each other's side. He knows they cannot stand together against Caesar unless they stand together with Christ. At Emily's trial, her former church family showed up to the courtroom to support the pastor who mistreated her. What would it have shown the world if they had looked after her interests? Paul reminds them that when they needed someone to deliver them, Christ showed up.