Love one another! (verses 1 – 3)
Paul obviously had a loving concern for and an intimate knowledge of the members of the church at Phillipi, because he describes them as – my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown. He was also concerned about a disagreement that has arisen between Euodia and Syntyche and asked the church to help them to resolve their differences. They were also encouraged to – stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Our minister continually reminds us of Ephesians 4: 3 – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We should always endeavour to demonstrate our love to others within the fellowship of the congregation by our genuine interest in their wellbeing – not just spiritual, but also material and physical.

Rejoice in the Lord! (verse 4)
In this letter Paul kept returning to the theme of joy (see 1:4 & 18; 2: 17; and 4: 1). The joy to which Paul was referring was not something superficial but a deep underlying confidence in God and Christ, just as he had experienced in the Phillipian prison (Acts 16: 15). When we do this, it helps to keep things in perspective.

Be gentle! (verse 5)
When Paul wrote – Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. - he was emphasising the need for Christians to show a gentle spirit, not just to fellow believers within the church, but also to those outside the church; so that they would bear a good witness to their Lord and Saviour. We should, in our day and generation, also be known for our gentleness and consideration for others. Certainly not for our harshness and domineering attitude! The reference to - The Lord is near - reminds us of the shortness of life and the coming of Christ and judgement.

Do not be anxious! (verse 6)
Although Paul’s third exhortation is expressed as a negative – Do not be anxious about anything, it is immediately followed by an encouragement to take positive steps to overcome anxiety. - But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. By offering thankful prayers for others and ourselves it will not only strengthen our faith but it will also be a blessing to both others and ourselves.

Peace reigns! (verse 7)
These three qualities – joy, gentleness and lack of anxiety – are all demonstrated by the presence of the peace of God, which transcends all understanding and which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
With God’s help - let us cultivate these qualities of joy, gentleness and lack of anxiety, so that we can enjoy the peace, which only God can bestow.