A Letter from Prison

St. Paul, a first century follower of Jesus, is wrongfully imprisoned by the government. While in custody, he writes to a number of congregations to instruct and encourage them. These are called his Prison Letters. One of these letters is written to the church in the city of Philippi. This letter is known by many as the "Letter of Joy" because joy is one of its main themes.

Toward the end of this letter, Paul addresses a conflict that is brewing in the congregation. After being specific about how the parties involved should work to reconcile, Paul speaks more generally about the way of peace. He urges three virtues: joy, gentleness, and gratitude. He says that practicing these three virtues will result in a peace that transcends and surpasses all understanding, a peace that comes only from God (Philippians 4:4-7).

Recent events in our nation have put hate and anger and bitterness on display. And these traits, when combined, yield the ugly fruit of violence. Five dead police officers in Dallas, Texas. Police in other cities being targeted simply for wearing the uniform.

In saying this, I don't mean to minimize the fact that police officers can make mistakes and even abuse their authority. But a law enforcement officer doesn't deserve to be targeted as a threat anymore than a black man in his twenties should be assumed to be a thug. Nevertheless, in this broken world the temptation and tendency to pre-judge is all too alive and well.

But bitterness, anger, and hate are not the solutions to the problem. They will never result in peace. They will only breed conflict and violence.

Let's take a lesson from Paul. Let's pursue the virtues he urges and even challenges us to practice. He counsels joy, gentleness, and gratitude, resulting in divine peace. Joy, gentleness, and gratitude, from the pen of a man wronged by the authorities. Imagine that.