Graciousness
Graciousness
Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Phil. 4:5)
Let It Be Known
After encouraging the practice of constant rejoicing, Paul continues this remarkable chapter with the simple instruction to be known as a gracious person. Why does he slip this in here? Because a conflict needed to be resolved between two women in the church. Nothing chases joy away quite like conflict. And there’s nothing quite like conflict for ruining our peace and hurting the work and witness of the church. So Paul felt it necessary to remind these women to settle their differences for the sake of the gospel.
Francis Schaeffer famously wrote that the mark of the Christian is love, and that love between Christians is our greatest witness to a watching world. Judging from today’s verse, Paul would no doubt agree. In order for our “graciousness to be known to everyone,” it must be shown to everyone. That means Christians need to love one another and work through conflict. Joy and peace and a powerful witness will surely follow.
The Lord Is Near
Our lives are lived out before God. He is near. He is present. He is at hand. And He is coming again to judge the world—even Christians. Though we are forgiven, how we live still matters. It greatly impacts our witness. Maintaining a holy reverence for God helps us love one another better. And that’s what makes unbelievers take notice.
Bottom Line
Acting graciously toward others brings unity, joy, peace, and a powerful witness. Let your graciousness be shown and known for the sake of the gospel.