Do these two sentences seem an odd pairing to you? When I read this verse, I have a hard time connecting the two. I like both sentences, I appreciate both of them. But I just don't get what they have to do with one another.
In Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, he gives a nice explanation as to the coupling of these sentences: "so it <Philippians 4:4> well agrees with the following verse. The reason is, the Lord is at hand. The consideration of our Master’s approach, and our final account, should keep us from smiting our fellow-servants, support us under present sufferings, and moderate our affections to outward good. 'He will take vengeance on your enemies, and reward your patience.'"
When we remember that "the Lord is near", we are reminded the importance of our relationships with others. Every interpersonal relationship that we have the opportunity to develop here on earth, is an opportunity to exude the graciousness of a truly Spirit-filled Christ follower. That kind of graciousness, the kind of graciousness that finds itself totally unconcerned about being taken advantage of, or not having the same graciousness returned, is the kind of loving attitude that is noticeable in this world of ours. It becomes an attribute that is admired and makes the person that demonstrates it a source of curiosity for anyone who doesn't understand the source of such joy. And then the opportunity to share arises. And because the Lord is near, and He will return, we take advantage of that time to tell just why it is that we can be gracious even in situations where graciousness looks out of place.
Not only is the time of our Lord's return near, as Matthew Henry interprets, but the Lord is always near to His children, just as He promises. We can be gracious, encouraging, considerate of all...we don't have to worry about whether they deserve it or not. We don't have to worry about being mistreated. Because we know that the Lord is near. We know that He sees everything we are going through. We know that He supports us as we return unkindness with kindness, when we turn a cheek, when we love the unloving. We know that He is near, that He is watching, and that He smiles on His children when they exhibit His love.
In Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, he gives a nice explanation as to the coupling of these sentences: "so it <Philippians 4:4> well agrees with the following verse. The reason is, the Lord is at hand. The consideration of our Master’s approach, and our final account, should keep us from smiting our fellow-servants, support us under present sufferings, and moderate our affections to outward good. 'He will take vengeance on your enemies, and reward your patience.'"
When we remember that "the Lord is near", we are reminded the importance of our relationships with others. Every interpersonal relationship that we have the opportunity to develop here on earth, is an opportunity to exude the graciousness of a truly Spirit-filled Christ follower. That kind of graciousness, the kind of graciousness that finds itself totally unconcerned about being taken advantage of, or not having the same graciousness returned, is the kind of loving attitude that is noticeable in this world of ours. It becomes an attribute that is admired and makes the person that demonstrates it a source of curiosity for anyone who doesn't understand the source of such joy. And then the opportunity to share arises. And because the Lord is near, and He will return, we take advantage of that time to tell just why it is that we can be gracious even in situations where graciousness looks out of place.
Not only is the time of our Lord's return near, as Matthew Henry interprets, but the Lord is always near to His children, just as He promises. We can be gracious, encouraging, considerate of all...we don't have to worry about whether they deserve it or not. We don't have to worry about being mistreated. Because we know that the Lord is near. We know that He sees everything we are going through. We know that He supports us as we return unkindness with kindness, when we turn a cheek, when we love the unloving. We know that He is near, that He is watching, and that He smiles on His children when they exhibit His love.
1 comment:
Being gracious is showing love and kindness. Being gracious to our enemies is showing the love and kindness of our Lord. God loves all. He is with us at all times, when we are hurt by others. Forgiveness is God's law. Love one another, show kindness and graciousness to others. God is near and He empowers us to do good deeds for others. God is near - He is the Holy Spirit living inside of us. God listens to our pleas and He provides love for us. Love we can share with others.
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