“Let your gentleness (patience, moderation), be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭

The second “finally” leans heavily on God’s presence with them. Some translators introduced the idea of Jesus’ return, “the Lord is coming soon,” as the thing to remember, to keep in mind and to promt their joy… but…is this what Paul really meant? 

The Greek word for “near” is derived from the idea of a bent arm…ready to do something…to take action…to intervene. 

“The phrase “God’s arm is near” or related ideas about His arm not being too short or drawing close are found in Isaiah 59:1, which states: “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.”Another similar passage is Isaiah 51:5, which speaks of His salvation drawing near. 

Key Verses on the Arm of God

• Isaiah 59:1: Reminds us that God is never too weak to rescue you or too far away to listen.
• Isaiah 51:5: Speaks of His righteousness and salvation drawing near to the people.
• Deuteronomy 33:27: Mentions that “underneath are the everlasting arms,” showing His constant support and safety.
• Psalm 98:1: Celebrates that His “holy arm have gained the victory.”(Source: Google AI)

Surely, then, Paul was reminding his readers that God is always near enough to help them. Therefore, rejoicing in Him always, regardless of the tough things they were enduring, kept them close to Him in their thoughts and prayers as they journeyed through their daily suffering. 

What was it that set these people apart from the world around them, and gave them joy despite their circumstances? Their character…transformed by the power of the Holy Sprit. 

People of the world live on a tit-for-tat basis… “You hurt me and I will hurt you.” Whatever is uppermost in their minds when they are ill-treated will come out. 

The believer, however, in obedience to Jesus, is learning to live by another standard…the law of God, and the character and example of Jesus. So, by putting to death…or reckoning as already dead…the old sinful nature which seeks revenge…the character of Jesus is being formed and begins to shine through deeds and words.  Instead of retaliating, he lets the hurt, the offence go. He trusts in the perfect justice of God to handle his issues. 

Why do I speak specifically of retaliation? Retaliation is our first natural and spontaneous response to injustice…and injustice is the most blatant way that humans treat one another. It’s always, “Me first…no matter who you are!” Think about it! I

Our fists go up, ready to defend or fight, whether we are right or wrong. Unfair words or treatment follow. 

Jesus earned the reward for non-retaliation…

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭22-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…and so will we. This is the way to reveal the character of Jesus being formed in our own lives. 

“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

1 Peter 2:20-21 NIV

So, the character of Jesus being formed in them, not in spite of…but because of their suffering…gave them confidence to put their trust in Him rather than to fight for themselves. He was always with them and His grace was always sufficient…in every difficult or dangerous situation. 

Jesus had promised rest to those who came to Him and embraced His yoke…accepting His way as the way to navigate life…rest from having to face life alone…from the fallout from selfishness and sin. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Living under Jesus’ yoke would release them from guilt, shame, and fear…and grow the gentleness that is evidence of His life within. 

To be continued