Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

I read that the Christian has a compelling duty to rejoice. Yet it should be a continuous natural reaction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul stresses the Christian need to rejoice by using the tense in the Greek that specifies a continuing and habitual action. This instruction follows his mention of otherwise faithful believers in the church who were unfortunately pursuing disharmony and dissension. Believers are reminded to restore broken relationships, follow after harmony, peace and rejoice.

One writer states that perhaps the best reason to rejoice is that all believer’s names are written in the “book of life” in heaven. This precious book was mentioned from old times as “a book of remembrance . . . written before him for them that feared the LORD” – Malachi 3:16. Christ mentioned this book as a cause to “rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” – Luke 10:20. Our rejoicing will continue throughout eternity, for only “they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27) will be permitted into the Lamb’s presence. Our love for the brothers and sisters in Christ and our hope for eternity are reasons to rejoice, indeed.

Philippians 1:7 “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.”

Philippians 2:1-2 “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

Their joy of fellowship was rooted in the love and service of Christ.

Blessings