Philippians 4:5 Gentleness

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. [Philippians 4:5 NKJV]

Many of us are familiar with the King James version of this verse; "Let your moderation be known to all men." I have heard sermons preached on moderation based on this verse, with the conclusion; don't go to extremes. Anything is okay as long as it is not done to excess. And be spiritual, but not too spiritual.

The problem is that the meaning of the word "moderation" has changed since the 17th century. While we define moderation as being middle of the road, and without extremes, that is not the intent of the original language. The Amplified Bible describes the meaning of the word;

Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. [Philippians 4:5 AMP]

Jesus gave us a good example of this when the woman caught in adultery was brought to Him. First, he addressed the crowd, saying, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” [John 8:7 NKJV] The crowd slowly dissipated leaving Jesus and the woman alone;

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” [John 8:10-11 NKJV]

Although she had been caught in sin, and was condemned by the law, Jesus was gentle, merciful, and gracious toward her.

Remember the context of today's verse. Two women in the Philippian church were having a conflict. Paul didn't take sides or tell them how to resolve their conflict, but he did offer some principles that, if followed, should help them come together; "rejoice in the Lord" and "let your gentleness be known to all men." That is, let your "graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience" be known to all men.

If there is a conflict in the church, and it causes a division, the reputation of the church (and Jesus) will be compromised. But if the world sees a conflict resolved by the gracious behavior of both parties, then the church's reputation will be enhanced.

This should be our attitude at all times; not just in conflict resolution. Paul said "to all men." So don't limit your gentle behavior to church time, or to your friends or family. Include your enemies. It works the other way; don't just be nice to strangers. We have all heard of men who are well-respected, upstanding people in public, but they go home and beat their wives and children.

Examine your life. Are you constantly in conflict? Are people afraid of you? Don't be like the servant who beat his fellow servants;

“the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, “and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [Matthew 24:50-51 NKJV]

As Paul reminded us; "the Lord is at hand."

Lord, please give me the grace to always represent Your best before all people. Please work out Your fruit in my life.