Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 KJV

When we experience troubling circumstances, peace is still possible. If we rejoice in the Lord, we shift our focus from personal conflicts and hardships to the glory and grace of god. In this, we experience joy in even the most difficult times. Paul’s words here deal with just that. They address a positive way to deal with disagreements in the church. Paul’s focus is to promote steadfastness and unity in the church.

In particular, two members of the Philippian church experienced a strained relationship that Paul felt compelled to address. We read in Philippians 4:2, “I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. WEB” Although we have personal differences, we serve the same God. Therefore, when we focus on our shared service rather than our differences, we remain in unity. 

Think About These Things

Paul continues to teach how this unity is accomplished. He encourages his readers to keep their minds focused on the good things of God. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things. WEB”

Generally, our petty differences arise from within ourselves and from a focus on our own point of view. Though we genuinely disagree sometimes, we can always agree to rejoice in the Lord. Notice that Paul encourages the church to rejoice in the Lord at all times and takes care to reemphasize this command. Having experienced great difficulty, persecution, arrest and other hardships, Paul knows firsthand the positive impact of remaining in joy in the Lord. 

The Fruit of the Spirit

Our feelings, productivity, and interactions are directly impacted by our focus. And so, it benefits each of us to rejoice in our Savior. Rather than death and disease, we focus on eternal life and healing. Instead of contention, we focus on unity. In this way, we rejoice in the Lord in whom we place our trust and hope. 

Believers find joy in the Spirit of God. Conflict and strife come from the flesh. Christ calls each of us out of the world to reject the flesh and live in the Spirit which is the source of our joy. We read of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. WEB” As we rejoice in the Lord, we center ourselves in the Spirit of God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Hour Comes