I wanted to write how Philippians 4 is one of my favorite chapters.  But I realized how often I have referred to a verse, chapter, or book as one of my favorites over the last 6 months.

The truth is that doing this Growth Project together has ignited my love for the Scriptures in a whole new way.

The insight, truth, instruction, encouragement, challenge, and transformation (and on, and on, and on) gained from the Word of God is nothing short of life changing.

It is my deep and sincere prayer that you are having the same experience.

Philippians 4:5 – “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

The Philippians were facing the challenge and bullying of the hard core religious establishment as they attempted to try and prevent the spread of the message of Jesus.

At the same time, they lived in the context of the Roman Empire – which was not all that different in it’s experience from Western culture today.

In the middle of all this is the instruction to live in such a way that gentleness be evident to everyone.

Deal with everyone gently.
Gentleness is not weakness.  Gentleness can only be chosen by the strong.  It is an intentional choice.  It characterizes the Jesus life.

I know one thing, it isn’t a natural reaction for me.  It’s much easier to be harsh, to fight fire with fire.

I wonder if my gentleness is evident to my wife and kids.  I wonder if it’s evident to my neighbors and friends.  Much less to all.

This instruction comes with the curious tag line, “the Lord is near.”

It’s a statement of reality, an encouragement, and a promise all wrapped in to one.

Regardless of the circumstances.  Regardless of how you feel.  Regardless of what that person is doing or saying to you.

The Lord is near to help.  He is near for strength and hope and encouragement.  He is near and not far away.

I can’t think of a better note to end on.  The Lord is near.

You can talk to him.

You can cry out to him.

He will answer you.