“Let your
moderation be known unto all men” (Phil. 4:5).

        Undoubtedly,
moderation is a most commendable Christian virtue, but there is more to the
original word than this. It has been rendered by some as “yieldingness”; this,
too, is an excellent translation and suggests the resilience of character that
many of us sadly lack. Other versions have “considerateness,” “forbearance,”
and “gentleness.” These various terms may be summed up in the very appealing
translation given by another:“Let your sweet reasonableness be
manifested to all men.” What a lovely trait is this sweet reasonableness in a
Christian! It is the very opposite to that unyielding, harshly-dogmatic,
self-determined spirit that so often dominates in place of the meekness and
gentleness of Christ. “I beseech you, my brethren,” wrote Cromwell to the
warring theologians of his day, “remember that it is possible you may be
wrong.” How apt we are to forget this when engaged in discussions as to either
doctrines, methods of service, or assembly principles!            This does not
mean that one need be lacking in intensity of conviction or assurance as to the
correctness of doctrines, principles, or practices that one believes he has
learned from the Word of God. But it does imply a kindly consideration for the
judgment of others who may be equally sincere and equally devoted—and,
possibly, even more enlightened. Nothing is ever lost by recognizing this and
remembering that we all “know in part” (1 Cor. 13:12).

        (From Notes
on Philippians, Loizeaux, Neptune, New Jersey.)

* * *

        Other verses
with the same Greek word as translated “moderation” in Phil. 4:5:

        “I … beseech
you by the … gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:1).

        “A bishop then
must be patient, not a brawler” (1 Tim. 3:3; also Tit. 3:2, “gentle”).

        “The wisdom
that is from above is … gentle, and easy to be entreated” (Jas. 3:17).

                “Servants,
be subject … not only to the good and gentle, but also to the
froward”(1 Pet. 2:18).