Philippians 4:5, ESV, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”
What is Paul teaching and instructing in Philippians 4:5, by that word, “reasonableness” used in the ESV?
The HCSB version states Philippians 4:5 this way, “Let your graciousness be known to everyone.”
The New King James says, “Let your gentleness be known to all men.”
The Amplified Bible words it this way, “Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness.“
The VOICE version says, “Keep your gentle nature that all men know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps.” I made this into a sign in my office for myself to read every day and added a quote from Alistair Begg which says, “Gentleness is not mainly developed in tranquility; gentleness is developed in trials and difficulty.”
How do we show our reasonableness, gentleness, unselfishness, and gentle nature to others? Paul used the Greek word Epiekes, which has a deeper meaning than any English word can convey. “Sweet reasonableness, generosity, goodwill, friendliness, charity toward the faults of others, mercy toward the failure of others, indulgence of the failures of others, leniency, bigheartedness, moderation, forbearance, and gentleness are some of the attempts to capture the rich meaning of Epiekes. The opposite would be “pettiness.” Perhaps the best corresponding English word is graciousness – the graciousness of humility; the humble graciousness that produces the patience to endure injustice, disgrace, and mistreatment without retaliation, bitterness, or vengeance. It is contentment.” MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Philippians.
There is that subject of “contentment” again Paul keeps bringing up. This word “Epiekes” describes an individual’s heart who will let the Lord fight his or her battles. Remembering the verse, “Vengence is Mine, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). I have to ask myself if I really believe this, do I freely let go of my anxieties and all the things that cause me stress because I have the faith that the Lord will take up my cause and I will then be able to rest in the contentment of knowing God is in control? What about pettiness? Oh my, as I sigh and look at the various frustrations I have had this past week.
Paul’s sequence in this passage was to first rejoice in the Lord and, secondly, to be gentle. The immediate reaction of a rejoicing heart is Christlike sensitivity in gentleness with the understanding not everyone was created by God the same, and we each have our own weaknesses and strengths. Then Paul says, “The Lord is at hand.” The literal fact that “the Lord is near,” reminds us that the Lord is ever present and will return at any time, and will hold people responsible in judging their deeds (James 5:8-9). So I need to be gentle and be ready!
Who is that person you need to show Epiekes – ep-ee-i-kace’ to that you may have even forgotten? This happened to me several years ago. I was studying this passage in preparation for teaching it to a women’s Bible study at our church, back in 2014, on Philippians 4. Out of the blue, I received a text from an old acquaintance we had not seen in thirty-eight years. I had a real-life situation of applying “Epiekes,” which was the word “reasonableness” in Philippian 4:5 in that precise situation! I didn’t fully understand at the time, but God was giving me a real-life example of extending “reasonableness” – Epiekes – showing graciousness and forgiveness of a past debt. The incident is not what is essential. What was important was applying this Greek word’s meaning in extending and developing graciousness, forgiveness, generosity, and yes–sweet reasonableness. I got it and used it (with my husband’s help) in my response which was the right choice. God’s timing in educating me on the meaning of this Greek word, Epiekes, in Philip. 4:5, I have never forgotten.
So when you go to bed tonight, as you lay your head on the pillow, review who you have shown “reasonableness” – “Epiekes” to today. Are you triggered in being highly irritated by peoples incompetence and inefficiency, as I am? There we go – an application to apply “Epiekes” from Philip. 4:5 to others! How has God provided you with opportunities in applying this verse in your life too?
Listen to Matthew West’s song, Forgiveness. 1/21/2017.