The Peace That Transcends All Understanding

There’s a lot going on in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. I think it’s worth a brief overview, because some of the issues being addressed in that letter are universal. If we cherrypick the verses that are easy to apply, we miss the depth of what Paul’s asking this church to do.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:4-7

At the time of this letter, Christians were being arrested and put to death for their faith. Paul started this church, but some time has passed and he hasn’t been there. He’s most likely writing this letter of encouragement from jail. The two women Paul mentions earlier in this letter, Euodia and Syntyche, were his co-workers—they worked alongside him when he started this church. He finds out these women aren’t getting along, their disagreement is significant enough that Paul hears about it from another city. He’s asking the church to help them work it out.

Paul mentions the peace of God in verse seven. This church probably doesn’t feel like peace is possible if two of their founding members are in conflict. This is possibly the most relatable part of this text. Disagreements happen all the time. People disappoint us and make us angry. It’s easier to just avoid the people we disagree with because distance can feel like peace. Don’t get me wrong—sometimes moving on is the only way to move forward. It takes wisdom to know the difference between a toxic relationship and one that can be salvaged. I believe this text is talking about a strained relationship that can be restored.

It’s Only Human

Disagreements are the reality of being human alongside other humans. Being a Christian doesn’t take that away. It’s hard to work out our issues the way Paul is encouraging these sisters to do. Out of context, it can sound like a simplistic answer–that and the admonition to “be anxious for nothing”.

I usually hear the phrase, “Rejoice in the Lord” by itself and I forget that its context is within a time of turmoil—both inside and outside the church. It’s a good reminder that it’s possible to find a way to still rejoice even in the middle of conflict.

Paul isn’t condemning these women, he’s pleading with them to get along for their own sake. He cares about them and their relationship. Paul is giving them practical advice on how the whole community can share the same vision. Something to note: the Greek word used here for rejoice is plural. Paul is suggesting that the community rejoice in the Lord together—and this will build up the community.

Paul also gives them some practical advice right after this section to “think about these things”. He then gives them a list of things on which to meditate. Things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy . . . think about these things. Think about “whatever is true” versus imagining the worst, which creates anxiety . . . think about these things.

Peace of God

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Rejoicing in the Lord, in community, builds up the whole church. The God of peace will be with them within the presence of the Holy Spirit. We can also have faith that God’s peace will be with us, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, as well.

God’s peace isn’t like the world’s peace—it’s not a peace that requires agreement. God’s peace doesn’t require a lack of conflict. This is why Paul refers to it as a peace that surpasses, or transcends, all understanding. It brings us joy and calms our anxiety even in the middle of our disagreements, conflict, and danger.

Where do you need peace? Can you find a way to rejoice in God’s goodness within community, as a way to find your strength?

Photo credit: by Alistair Dent on Unsplash