- photo by Susan Page There is an often-repeated scripture found in the book of Philippians.

The Apostle Paul, when addressing the church at Philippi wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” In the NIV translation, it reads “Let your gentleness be known to all.” The Amplified Bible gives even more descriptive phrasing; “Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people.”

I want to lean into this text. It is challenging to my soul.

Would any of these adjectives be used when referring to my daily interactions? Do peers, colleagues and friends know me as a reasonable person? How about the traits I display with family, those nearest and dearest to me? Do I display a spirit of unselfishness?

Let’s be clear, I’m not seeking compliments, I’m doing some soul-searching, and it hurts. Keep in mind that how we view ourselves is often very different from how others see us. Frequently, the world does not consider Christ-followers as reasonable people at all. Do we ever come across as intolerant and impatient, a people lacking in mercy? Maybe all we need to land on is our driving habits or our intolerance of people who are not on our most favoured list.

It doesn’t appear that Paul is merely suggesting that we try to be reasonable. There isn’t a lot of give here. Making flimsy excuses like, “Well, I’m tired, or I’m fed-up, or they deserved it” when acting in a way that is not Christ-pleasing won’t cut it.

Paul goes on to write beautiful words of encouragement to believers. He tells us to not be anxious. Relaxed people tend to be grace-filled people. He expresses our need to be in prayer making our requests to God with thanksgiving. Thankful people, who are trusting God to supply their needs are more likely to be merciful to others.

Paul goes on to say that we will be filled with the peace of God which is simply beyond our understanding. This peace will guard our hearts (emotions) and minds (attitude) in Christ Jesus.

In other words, this peace will so saturate our spirits that our behaviour will be positively impacted.

The apostle states that we must focus our thoughts on things that are true, honourable, just, pure and lovely; things that are excellent and worthy of praise. It’s impossible to be miserable and intolerant of others if we are focused on God-honouring things.

If all this sounds too difficult, well it should, because it is … if we attempt it in our own strength.

The last portion of the verse in Nehemiah 8:10 states that we should not grieve because “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Thankfully, God gives us the strength to be all He calls us to be. As we remain in Him, our reasonableness and our joy will be known to everyone!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
(Galatians 5:22,23)

Susan Page is friend of Pastor Tim and Susan's. For many years she has written devotionals for the National Prayer Guide of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada where she serves as their Church Relations Coordinator / Health Benefits Manager.