Philippians 4:5 Let your reasonablenessbe known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.

Our English-language ears hear the word “reasonableness” and simply think that this scripture calls us to be rational, levelheaded, and balanced. That doesn’t sound too difficult, and one can wonder why there is even a scripture telling us something so basic and obvious.

The word translated reasonable (epieikes) is generally translated as gentle in the Bible. But it’s a word that has a breadth of meaning as well, having connotations of being fair, kind, gracious, moderate, considerate, forbearing, and understanding. That’s not so basic and not so obvious.

Many scriptures are addressed to our hearts and minds alone; they are meant to be internalized as part of the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming us into the image of Christ. Philippians 4:5, however, says that our reasonable shouldn’t just be internal, but so evident that “everyone” can see it. No inner “good intentions” here. Just a full, visual demonstration of the fruits of the Spirit that everyone can see.

The reference to “everyone” implies situations between us and other people, some who don’t agree with us, may be struggling, may have an attitude that isn’t godly, and may be downright contrary and difficult. If we try to navigate around all of the negativity thrown in our direction by some folks, we might be baffled and exhausted trying to figure out how to respond to their various “slings and arrows.” This happens when we try to base our responses on what’s coming at us.

The Lord wants our responses to be coming from within us. Again, we lean into the power of the word “let.” There is no one more reasonable, gracious, forbearing and understanding than the Lord. We can “let” that reasonableness be ours as we lean into Him and let that lovely and powerful collection of qualities flow from Him to us and out to others. God desires to show “everyone” what the Holy Spirit is like. That happens when we abide in Him, “letting” Him connect us to His attributes and letting them flow like the sap flowing from the vine to the branch (John 15).

When we look beyond our current understanding of the word “reasonable” and realize how all-encompassing it really is, we realize this scripture is beyond our ability. That’s good, because it is. We can let our reasonableness/graciousness/kindness/etc. be known when we connect with our loving Lord and allow His beauty to shine forth.

We often struggle to find the wisdom in replying to a difficult person. “Lord, how should I respond here?”  Wisdom is found in leaning in spiritually, not intellectually. As the love of God is expressed through us, we can rest assured that His wisdom is part of the package.