At this point in his letter, the Apostle Paul begins to give some final exhortations to the church in Philippi. Here he gives several commands about the attitudes and behaviours the Philippian believers are to exhibit in their lives and relationships. They are to live lives characterized by joy and gentleness and an absence of anxiety. But how? The key lies in Christ, in his nearness to the Philippians, even as they face difficulties and suffering. For our lives as well, these virtues are not dependent upon our circumstances but upon the nearness of Christ.
