Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5
The AV translates the key word “moderation,” the NIV “gentleness,” the NLT “considerate.” It is the fairness and thoughtfulness that beautify a community. It involves respectful, courteous behavior toward one another, a readiness to listen, a desire only for what’s best all around. Outsiders will admire a community like that (“known to everyone”), even if they disagree with some of its beliefs.
Where does great community come from? Not from our good intentions but from a moment-by-moment awareness of this: “The Lord is at hand.” He is present, he cares for everyone, he is listening. The Lord Jesus is a gentleman, creating communities of reasonableness and beauty to compel the attention of the watching world.