Philippians 1:27

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of
Christ."-Philippians 1:27

The word "conversation" does not merely mean our talk and converse with
one another, but the whole course of our life and behaviour in the
world. The Greek word signifies the actions and the privileges of
citizenship: and thus we are commanded to let our actions, as citizens of the
New Jerusalem, be such as becometh the gospel of Christ. What sort of
conversation is this? In the first place, the gospel is very simple. So
Christians should be simple and plain in their habits. There should be
about our manner, our speech, our dress, our whole behaviour, that
simplicity which is the very soul of beauty. The gospel is pre-eminently
true, it is gold without dross; and the Christian's life will be lustreless
and valueless without the jewel of truth. The gospel is a very fearless
gospel, it boldly proclaims the truth, whether men like it or not: we
must be equally faithful and unflinching. But the gospel is also very
gentle. Mark this spirit in its Founder: "a bruised reed He will !
not break." Some professors are sharper than a thorn-hedge; such men
are not like Jesus. Let us seek to win others by the gentleness of our
words and acts. The gospel is very loving. It is the message of the God
of love to a lost and fallen race. Christ's last command to His
disciples was, "Love one another." O for more real, hearty union and love to
all the saints; for more tender compassion towards the souls of the
worst and vilest of men! We must not forget that the gospel of Christ is
holy. It never excuses sin: it pardons it, but only through an atonement.
If our life is to resemble the gospel, we must shun, not merely the
grosser vices, but everything that would hinder our perfect conformity to
Christ. For His sake, for our own sakes, and for the sakes of others,
we must strive day by day to let our conversation be more in accordance
with His gospel.