Philippians 4:1-13

Pentecost +22 – Year A

Philippians 4:1-13

I'm intrigued with verse 5 – "let your gentleness be known" (NRSV)

John Wesley's Notes indicate: " Yieldingness, sweetness of temper, the result of joy in the Lord." Here we can play with simple joy and specific joy in the Lord. Wherein do these signify the same thing and something different?

Is "moderation" (KJV) a better way to come at this text? How about "forbearance" (ASV)? What about the extended form in The Message, "Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them"?

When we find joy in moderation, rather than just moderation for its own sake, or forbearance or being for others, there is a switch that is thrown in our perception of our own experience. Then our honor, purity, pleasingness, excellence, and praise not only grow from G*D's peace, but lead to it. In joy these circles come round right and we find ourselves in a place just right, a valley of delight.

May you Syzygus others, yoking them together (their better fate) than allowing a separation to grow between two, oh so similar, folks.

Along with your daily bread, may you daily en-joy.