UBF Daily Bread

GOD’S PEACE GUARDS YOUR HEARTS AND

Passage: Philippians 4:1~9

Key verse: 6-7

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(A) my joy and crown, stand firm^(B) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(C) in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(D) whose names are in the book of life.^(E)

Final Exhortations

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^(F) ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^(G) ⁶Do not be anxious about anything,^(H) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^(I) ⁷And the peace of God,^(J) which transcends all understanding,^(K) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(L) And the God of peace^(M) will be with you.

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Paul exhorted the Philippian brothers and sisters to stand firm together in the Lord. But unity was threatened by conflict between two strong believers, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul did not side with one. Paul pleaded with them to be of the same mind in the Lord (2; 2:5). Instead of focusing on their differences, these women of faith should first focus on Jesus. Are you facing differences and conflict with another brother or sister? Pray to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Paul further directed the Philippian Christians and us to always rejoice in the Lord. However, life presents many problems that can make us anxious and steal our joy. The antidote to an anxious heart is prayer in every situation. When we come to God with requests and thanksgiving, God promises to us his peace that is beyond understanding. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. With God’s peace, we overcome anxieties. We can think about excellent and praiseworthy things (8). What makes you anxious? What keeps you up at night? Bring it, with thanksgiving, to God in prayer. God will give you his peace.

Prayer: Father, we need your grace and mercy in our conflicts, anxieties, and problems. We thank you for your sure victory and for your peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

One Word: Experience god’s peace today