Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is at hand? I. THE NATURE OF THIS VIRTUE. 1. It is the opposite of contention and aggrandizement, rigour and severity. 2. It is the spirit that enables a man to bear injuries with patience and not to demand all that is rightly his due, for the sake of peace. The apostle corrected the litigios spirit of the Corinthians by asking them, "Why do ye not rather take wrong?" (1 Corinthians 6:7.) II. THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS VIRTUE. 1. It contributes greatly to the comfort life and the peace of society. There is always a tendency to friction in the relations of life where the spirit of forbearance does not govern them. 2. It contributes to the usefullness of Christian people and promotes the glory of God. This true spirit of Christ will give a man great influence with his fellows and will redound to the credit of the gospel. III. THE REASON TO ENFORCE THIS DUTY. "The Lord is at hand." Let us bear with others, seeing the time is near when we may expect the Lord to hear with us. All our rivalries and disputes ought to disappear in the light of the judgment morning. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.WEB: Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. |
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