Philippians 4:4-7
"Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near."
(Philippians 4:5)
Writing to the church in Phillipi, Paul encouraged these new believers to embrace a standard of faith that would mark their uniqueness in Christ. Certainly there were those within the Jerusalem church that wanted Paul to lead these converts to conform to ancient practice and tradition, but that is not what he asked them to do. Perhaps there were some who believed that threats of persecution should be rebuffed and the faith vigorously defended, but that is not what Paul encouraged. Surely there were those who thought theological and ideological uniformity were key to the survival of the church, but no, Paul had something different in mind. "Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people." Paul shared something that twenty-first century Christians would do well to remember, and better still, practice; the way you treat others goes a long way toward communicating the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
A skeptical world has grown weary of the church's blind adherence to listless traditions. They tune out the constant complaints of Christians who claim to be threatened by mochas and lattes offered in undecorated cups by servers who offer non-specific holiday greetings. They shake their heads in disbelief at the qualities of Christ-like character held forth that speak less of grace and mercy and more of isolation and blatant prejudice. In the midst of such skepticism, Paul's words offer challenge to the church and hope to the world. "Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near."
Show them Jesus, for he is near...in you.
Prayer: Be near, Lord Jesus, in my words and actions, that your gentleness will be heard and seen. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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