Rejoice in the lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:4-5

Paul’s instruction to rejoice is based on joy—the inner quality that allows us to be delighted regardless of what is going on in the world and in our own lives. He isn’t talking about happiness, which is based on happenings; he’s talking about rejoicing in the Lord and rejoicing because of the Lord. With the world in such chaos and our lives plagued with difficulties that cause periods of unhappiness, how are we to rejoice, let alone rejoice always? James 1:2 tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials of many kinds; and Job 5:7 says, “Man is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly upwards.” So, we have a choice: focus on the Lord, who will fill us with joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11) or focus on our difficulties, which are a certainty in this life, and find rejoicing difficult.

During the Christmas season, we sing songs to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. Many remind us why we are to rejoice. Joy to the World says we are to be joyful because “the Lord has come.” O Come, O Come, Emmanuel encourages us to rejoice because Emmanuel shall “give…victory over the grave…and open wide our heav’nly home where all Thy saints with Thee shall dwell.” Good Christian Men, rejoice affirms that “He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blessed forevermore… Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save.”

In addition to rejoicing, Paul says we are to let our gentleness be evident to all. Since joy is an inner quality it may not be obvious to those around us. Gentleness, on the other hand, is clearly visible in how we act and react. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says: “Gentleness is joy outwardly expressed.” The Greek word for gentleness (πραΰτης) refers to a spirit that is reasonable, fair-minded, and charitable; willing to yield one’s own rights to show consideration to others but without sacrificing truth; non-retaliatory. One synonym is graciousness. And why be gentle? “The Lord is near!”

Does Paul’s use of “near” imply He is close at hand because His Spirit dwells in us and is ready to help? Or is he referring to time and that He is soon to come again? No matter which you believe, may He find you rejoicing always!

by Judy Calhoun, Christian Education Ministry Chair