Nevertheless: Practices of Peace and Joy

Summary

A few weeks ago, we talked about the letters not as a rule book for life to be followed, but rather a model pointing toward formation in Christ; formation of Christian character as seen in its fruits. A notable fruit that we see in Paul in his letter to the Philippians is that of joy. And another that is emphasized in today’s reading is peace. Paul, writing from prison, models and points us toward joy and peace in Christ. Paul, writing to the Philippians, a persecuted church in occupied territory, points them toward joy and peace in Christ, nevertheless. Today’s passage is a beautiful guide for practicing and accepting this type of formation. While it can easily be read as a step-by-step plan in order to attain our own peace, may we notice once again that it is grounded in what God has already done. We are invited into the peace and joy of God, not of our own making. We are invited to pray and act with gentleness and rejoice for the Lord is near. And remember that Paul is writing to a whole community of people- like us, together. The body of Christ shares these practices and even fulfills these roles with and for one another. We may not all feel like rejoicing, but as a community we return to praise week after week because of what the Lord has indeed done. Our community helps us live into that bigger picture. And sometimes we are all anxious, yet we are reminded together to keep bringing these exact worries to God, along with our thanksgiving. We make ourselves malleable in the hands of Christ when we defiantly practice thanksgiving, seeking joy in Christ, gentleness toward others, bringing everything to God in prayer, and focusing our thoughts on what is good. Imagine what the Lord can do.