By

Shelby G. Floyd

Philippians 4:7, 9
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus….Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
NKJV

To the faithful child of God “the God of peace” gives “the peace of God” that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7, 9). In this setting Paul gives the requirements to keep and maintain this peace: (1) Stand firm in the Lord (Philippians 4:1); (2) Be in agreement with your brother and sister in the Lord (Philippians 4:2); (3) Be a peacemaker by helping to promote peace (Philippians 4:3); (4) Have a rejoicing spirit on all occasions and under all circumstances (Philippians 4:4); and, (5) Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).

There has been and still is, much harshness in the relationships that Christian people sustain with each other and all men. Jesus said that by our love for each other all people would know that we are his disciples. Jesus set the example of a reasonable, gentle, moderate, patient, fair and gracious spirit in his dealings with all people. These are just some of the synonyms of the word used in Philippians 4:5.

Paul taught Timothy that an elder should be patient and moderate (1 Timothy 3:3). To Titus he commanded that God’s people should be gentle to all men (Titus 3:17). If we are practicing the wisdom from above, we will be of a gentle disposition. Friends, brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1). Let your gentleness be evident to all!

Copyright © 2017 Shelby G. Floyd All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142