Rejoice in the Lord!

Paul starts off this section with the word finally. So one might think that he is wrapping his letter up. Yet a good portion of the book remains, so that is not the case. It is suggested that the word finally could mean something along the lines of furthermore. At any rate, Paul still has more to say, and he begins with, rejoice in the Lord! Paul is reminding them to rejoice IN THE LORD as he stirs the waters again by bringing up the matter of those who are contradicting the gospel message. According to some theologians, the rejoice-in-the-Lord section is connected with what he is about to write. Paul says that he has no trouble bringing up these matters again because it is for their own good. If Paul is saying such a thing, it would make sense that they were having issues with opponents of the gospel. Perhaps the issue was causing discord among them, which is why Paul would bring up unity in other parts of the letter.

Nevertheless, Alice, I appreciated what you said, and I would have gone that route too had I not read a reputable commentary that I've been referring to quite often. Reading this verse is a good reminder to rejoice in the Lord no matter what the circumstances. This can be challenging - we are inclined to do things in our own strength and in our own way. Rejoicing in the Lord reminds us who is in charge as we worship Him rather than ourselves or others.

REJOICE IN THE LORD!