Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Summary: In this passage, Paul makes a simple suggestion. But is it just a suggestion?
As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he begins Chapter Four with a plea to “stand firm in the Lord.” He then adds a note to stand firm “in this way.” “This way” turned out to mean adhering to the true Gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus, valuing Christ above all else, pressing on, striving for maturity in faith, focusing on the godly, and remembering we are citizens of heaven.*
Paul then pleads with Euodia and Syntyche, and by extension all believers in Christ, to put disagreements aside and “be of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2).
After all this, he offers more instruction, beginning with “rejoice in the Lord always” (v. 4). Finally, we come to our passage for this meditation:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all.”
Why?
The answer is found in Jesus’ promise to send God’s Holy Spirit to those of us who believe (John 15:26).
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul explains what it means to have the Holy Spirit.
Like an apple tree bears apples, and a pear tree bears pears, the “fruit” of the Spirit is specific to the kind of tree it comes from. Fruit of the Spirit is the stuff that God originally intended people to have before Adam and Eve ate the fruit of a different kind of tree.†
God-like fruit is … well… God-like.
God-like fruit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, and … gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23).
So why is Paul bringing this up now?
Could it be that two leaders in the church not getting along doesn’t reflect well on Jesus?
I’m not suggesting that Jesus is worried about his reputation. If he had been concerned about appearances, he never would have pushed the authorities so hard that they killed him.
No, Jesus wants us to live as he lives, doing the Father’s will (Matthew 22:37-40).
Some say it is not fair to expect two people to be of the “same mind in the Lord” (v. 2). After all, we are only human! But isn’t that the point? Humans who are “born again” are not merely human anymore. We are humans who have the Spirit of God in us.
Application: Living for Jesus isn’t a part-time job.
Food for Thought: When Paul says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all,” who is “all?”
*See “Philippians 4:1b – In the Lord (Part 2)”
† You know the one — “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:16-17)
Thanks for the devotion brother. I think all is exactly that. Some might argue that it is meant for other believers only, but since we also need to be concerned about being a Christ like witness to unbelievers – I think it means every human being on the planet that observes our character.
Colossians 4: 5 – 6: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
1 Peter 3: 13 – 16: Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats b ; do not be frightened.” 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Thank you, Rich!
Well said and GREAT verses! 🙂
When Paul says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all,” who is “all?”
Thank you Rich, could not agree more!
As a new believer in a men’s Bible study, I asked an older Christian, “ what do we do now?” He told me to just keep studying God’s word and God would tell me. So I did and He has.
Every believer remaining on earth is here for one purpose which is to allow Jesus Christ in us, to grow and be seen as He ministers through us to all He brings into our sphere of influence. We each purposely unique, have different rolls in life, are surrounded by different classes, types of people and are each placed where we are by God to minister to all those He brings into our lives.
Our lives belong to God. We should all set a portion of each morning allowing Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to teach us His truths as we prayerfully study His word, written to and for all mankind. Next, we need to understand why we are here and be alert to all the opportunities He presents each day. Know we are living in a period of time given to us by God, who has surrounded us with opportunities, people who need Jesus Christ now!
Matthew 5:16, In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Mark 16:15, And he said to them, “ Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation “.
Luke 9:23, And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
John 3:17, For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
1 Peter 2:9, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Thank you, Ron!
I love your story about “What do we do now?” Great question! Your answer is even better. Wait for God to tell us. 🙂