Philippians 4:5 - "The Lord is At Hand"

Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we come to Philippians 4:5. This verse followsnaturally after Paul's command to rejoice in the Lord always. A joyful heartshould be seen in the way we treat other people. Paul writes: "Let yourmoderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." At firstglance, the word "moderation" might sound like it refers to simplyavoiding extremes. But the word Paul uses has a much richer meaning. Itdescribes a gentle, gracious, patient, and forbearing spirit. It is theattitude of someone who does not insist on his own rights. It speaks ofkindness, humility, and a willingness to yield for the good of others. Itis the very spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. Think about our Savior. When Hewas falsely accused, He did not retaliate. When He was reviled, He did notrevile again. When He suffered, He committed Himself to the Father who judgesrighteously. Jesus demonstrated perfect gentleness. No wonder He said inMatthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meekand lowly in heart." Thatsame spirit should characterize every believer. Paul says, "Let yourmoderation be known unto all men." In other words, this gentle spiritshould be obvious to everyone. Our family should see it.    Our neighbors should see it. Our coworkers should see it. Thosewho disagree with us should see it. Even those who oppose us should recognizethat we respond differently because Christ lives within us. Sadly,our world is becoming increasingly angry. People are quick to argue. Quick tocriticize. Quick to demand their own way. But Christians are called to displaya different spirit. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, "A soft answer turns awaywrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Gentleness is not weakness.It is strength under control.Ittakes far more strength to respond with grace than it does to react in anger. ThenPaul gives the reason: "The Lord is at hand." This shortphrase carries a wonderful truth. First, it reminds us that the Lord is near. Heis always with us. He sees every circumstance. He hears every conversation. Heknows every burden we carry. When we remember His presence, it becomes mucheasier to respond with patience and grace. But I also believe Paul is remindingus that the Lord's return is near. Throughout the New Testament, believers wereencouraged to live in the light of Christ's soon return.  IfJesus could come today, how should that affect the way we treat one another? Wouldwe hold on to bitterness? Would we continue an argument? Would we refuse toforgive? Or would we seek to live in peace, showing the gentleness of Christ? Knowingthat the Lord is at hand changes our perspective. It reminds us that many ofthe things we become upset about are really not worth losing our testimonyover. Someone once said, "Live each day as though Jesus died yesterday,rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon." There is greatwisdom in that thought. Myfriend, ask yourself today: When people see me, do they see a gracious andgentle spirit? Do my words reflect the kindness of Christ? Do I respond todifficult people the way Jesus would? May the Holy Spirit help us todemonstrate the gentleness of our Savior in every relationship, rememberingthat the Lord is at hand. This only happens when we yield our hearts and livesto the control of the Holy Spirit and we experience the fruit of the Spiritbeing produced daily (Galatians 5:22-23). Let'spray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of gentleness thatwe see in the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to display that same gracious spiritin our homes, our churches, and wherever You place us. Guard us from anger,impatience, and selfishness. May our moderation be known unto all men, and mayour lives reflect the beauty of Christ as we live in expectation of His soonreturn. We pray this in Jesus' precious name. Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!