Always rejoice and be gentle

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5

     Speaking with pastoral authority, the apostle Paul's firm instructions are as culturally relevant today as they were in the first century. Rejoicing in Christ is every believer's joyful duty as they seek to live God's will, even when experiencing personality clashes, persecution, and threat of imminent death.

     Whatever your lot in life, remember no one is immune to sorrow or troubles. But circumstances do not control your heart and mind for true happiness in God. Christians can experience inner peace and joy in all circumstances, even in a dark and dreary world.

     Paul set an impressive example through his own life experiences. When he and a friend named Silas had been unjustly arrested (Acts 16), brutally flogged, then illegally imprisoned, their feet locked in stocks-the unbelievable happened. The men began singing praise songs to God through their bruised and bloodied lips. The praise and worship uplifted their spirits, strengthening their souls. Although their bodies were shackled and tortured, their spirits remained undefeated. Both men stubbornly refused to let outward, dire and dangerous circumstances steal away their joy in God. Such rejoicing always brings spiritual stamina.

     Each believer must also combine a lifestyle of rejoicing with a strong resolve to live a life of gentleness in imitation of Christ. A gentle spirit disarms many antagonists. Gentleness is not weakness, but strength under control. The Greek word, epieikes, is hard to translate but is something spiritual people are to show to friends and foes alike, without favoritism.

     Epieikes signifies an ability to submit to injustice, disgrace and maltreatment without hatred or malice, trusting God through it all. It is a yielding, kind and unselfish spirit. Epieikes is demonstrated through an attitude of mildness, magnanimity and generosity, knowing it is far better to suffer wrong than to inflict wrong on others.

     Impossible, you are murmuring. But with the help of the Risen Christ, such gentleness is very possible. Remember that Christ is near, as close to you as your breathing, nearer than your hands and feet. Trust him for empowerment and you will find inner peace and joy and gentleness in all circumstances. And trust God to right all wrongs, and to judge justly.

     Prayer: Help me, O God, in my resolve to always rejoice and be gentle. May many in Zimbabwe be blessed with an extra measure of epieikes power and joy in all circumstances. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
November 15, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.