Joy RulesНамуна

Getting along with one another as part of the family of God is not a bonus or secondary value. In the middle of his final section of Philippians, Paul speaks to this, calling out some specific people who are not living peacefully in the church.

If you are familiar with the Bible, the final verses in this section may be familiar to you. How do you read Paul’s encouragement to “always be full of joy in the Lord” just after he reminded the church (and two specific people) to settle their disagreements? How might our relationships with one another impact our joy?

As Paul repeats himself in telling them to rejoice, he also reminds them that this is part of their witness to everyone. In another translation (New Testament for Everyone), verse 5 says, “Let everybody know how gentle and gracious you are.” How might your joy bless someone else today?

Practice: Is there someone with whom you need to make peace? What is one thing you can do to initiate peace and joy in that relationship? If you’re unsure, take some time to pray humbly and listen.