As Paul exhorts the believers in Philippi, and specifically the two women named, to unity, he shares what is quite possibly the most recognized portion of this entire letter.

You can see this familiar passage in Philippians 4:4-5:

Paul returns to the theme of the entire letter here, and almost repeats his encouragement from 3:1: Rejoice!

This is no longer a specific entreaty to a couple of people, but a call to the entire church. And his command to rejoice is in the present tense; the church in Philippi is to be in a continual state of rejoicing.

This is not an empty phrase or a thoughtless comment on Paul’s part. In the world the Philippians lived in, sorrow and fear, especially for believers, was a constant threat. They lived in a very hostile world, as do believers today. The Philippian church is called to be in a state of joy, in spite of their circumstances.

And Paul has the authority to command such a thing. Remember where he was as he wrote these words. He was in a Roman prison, and had very little reason to be joyful himself. And yet he does.

Paul then adds another phrase: “in the Lord.” Paul’s exhortations toward joy are never just simple encouragements. They call a church that is distressed and fearful to rely upon the strength and joy that comes from the Lord. After all, the church in Philippi, and you and I, are people of faith! Who else has the possibility of such joy? Rejoice!

Paul then takes his encouragement a step further. He commands the Philippians to share this with everyone around them. “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Perhaps a better translation would be to use the word “graciousness.” We are joyful people. We need to be ready to be fairminded and gracious to a world that causes us such fear and distress.

Paul’s comments here are clear that he is referring to people who are outside of the church, and not those in it. The truth is that we, as the church, are all too often easily gracious to those in the church with us, but standoffish to those without.  Paul’s statement here helps us to know that, since we have this joy that comes from the Lord, it should be evident in all of our interactions, especially to those who are not believers.

Why? Because the Lord is near. This could mean one of two things, or even possibly both together. The Lord is near at hand, and in terms of a personal relationship, this is certainly true. But it could also mean that we are to be looking forward to the second coming of Christ at all times. The early church expected this to occur at any time, and even though it has been two millennia since Christ ascended, his return is still at hand, and we do not know when it will occur.

We live between the two comings of Jesus. And our lives should display that we live because he came, and that he will come again.

The Lord is near! Maranatha! Our Lord, come!

Question: How hard is it for you to rejoice in the Lord? Is this a difficult command, or an easy one to follow? You can leave a comment by clicking here.