It’s a Journey

By Carol Emerson Hill, (San Jose)

“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon” (Philippians 4:5 NLT).

I’m grateful to be a part of a bible study-reading program with other brethren.  In our YouVersion Bible App, bible 1-year reading program, we can highlight scriptures that strike us and then our “friends” in the group can also benefit from the highlight.  

Recently one of those highlights was Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (NKJV).  

The word gentleness at first glance spoke to me as someone who is kind in action, even when being treated unkindly by someone else.  It made me think of someone who is gentle in their words and speech.  But the word means far more than this.   

Other translations use the word “moderation” and in fact, in Greek “epieikes” refers to restraint on the passions, general soberness of living, being free from all excesses” (Barnes’ notes on the Bible, Bible Hub: biblehub.com).

The reality is that we are visible; visible to our families, friends and community. I felt a bit confronted by this expanded meaning on the word gentleness. It had me stop and consider my thoughts and actions, my words and my indulgences.

Barnes’ notes on the Bible says, “They were to govern their appetites, restrain their temper, and to be examples of what was proper for people in view of the expectation that the Lord would soon appear.”

Right now many of you are probably thinking of all the things that are wrong with you.  I do that a lot. 

1.    I’m pretty obsessive about things at times, and a worrier.

2.    I can spend a lot of time thinking about my own problems.

3.    I’m not patient and on and on…

Scriptures definitely do correct us.  But I’m also pretty hard on myself as a rule.  I’ve had to learn to focus on the solution, but I also acknowledged that this is a lifelong process and a journey, and I’m going to fall and scrape my knee or stub my toe.  Scripture is both corrective and encouraging, but God knows what we’re up against and that it is a battle at times.

It is not possible for us to overcome with our own will or by our own power. It is God who is doing His good work in us. It’s important to remember that He is producing Christ-like beings and that we must be humble and let Him. 

I’m reminded in the book of Hebrews of this: “may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen” (Hebrews 13:21 NLT).