Always be Rejoicing

Today’s scripture comes from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi; Paul is in prison and implores the church to never lose sight of the joy they can find in their salvation. Paul’s letter carries a lot of subtext, I’ve re-written it to share with you.

My dear friends, I need to think of you now more than ever. I am again here, in prison, again facing a trial that could condemn me to death. Again, beaten and broken by my own government. I know that my only strength here is surrendering to my own weakness. The Roman law has failed me, the law of my faith has failed me, and the only hope I have is in the Risen but still Crucified Christ. Remembering my love for you and the love we all share in Christ gives me comfort.

Only in the Crucified One can I see hope after my own suffering. I aim to be like Christ, knowing that this suffering is not the end of my story; no power is greater than God’s. I am sharing my story to point you to the source of my hope in your own suffering. You know the truth and power behind the Crucified one, through your own baptisms, and the presence of the Spirit, you know this.

I know it can be tempting to place your hopes on religious symbols. I know it can be tempting to lose sight of eternal rewards and consequences and live for the joy of this life alone. I know it can be tempting to turn against one another when you are all suffering – but don’t. Remember you are children promised God’s inheritance. Unity and support are more important than ever. Thinking of you, my siblings and co-workers and my beloved community gives me hope. I will lend you the hope you have given me.

Always be rejoicing – rejoicing and giving thanks – rejoicing and giving thanks to God. When you are in public and private – rejoice. When you are in pleasant times and adverse circumstances – give thanks. Let go of the sadness and despair that comes from suffering – do not worry. Suffering and persecution will happen – but we can rejoice no matter what. I know there are sick among you, I know there are the persecuted among you, I know we might lose ground in our hard work of sharing and living the Good News – do not worry about any of that. Rejoice instead, as I am rejoicing in chains. I am asking you to give thanks and rejoice, so I can remind myself to. 

Together rejoice – rejoice as a community – give thanks – make your thanks known to all. Let your joy overcome the feeling of impending doom. Let your lives be only giving thanks, and looking for God’s blessings.

Now is not the time to be divided. Remember the kindness and humility you are known for. This work is hard. It goes against everything in our human nature but we are not alone. The Spirit of God is with us. In all of our suffering. The Lord is near, right here, helping us remember we are God’s children in our suffering, advocating against our human nature, calling us to prevail.  

Only with the help of the Resurrected one can we live up to even the highest moral standards of the Roman culture – the standards of the Stoics and Cynics. Even in our suffering, when we give thanks and rejoice, we can surpass all of them and be a witness to the freedom found through our Salvation. I work to uphold these standards in myself empowered by the Spirit.

Peace among you is from the Spirit, and Peace of mind is from the Spirit – this peace replaces all our desires for resentment, retaliation, and violence. Peace only from the Spirit will baffle all those who see it.

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice

5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloveds whatever is true, whatever is honorable whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now, at last, you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.

11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.

12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.