Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

- Philippians 3:1

Paul didn't mind repeating himself in his letter to his friends. After delving deeply into theology and service, he circles back to his theme of joy: "rejoice in the Lord!"

How do you feel about repetition?

Many of us find repetition boring. When we read or hear something familiar, our attention begins to wander. But when this happens we miss out on the gift of repetition, the gift Paul so frequently offers his friends.

Here are three ways repetition helps us ...

1) Repetition helps us understand what we've heard

Just because we heard once doesn't mean we've understood. Hearing again and again can help us pick up on nuance and can correct misunderstandings. 

2) Repetition allows us to hear in new contexts

Heraclitus was famously quoted as saying: "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." Our contexts are always changing and so are we. Something that you heard in a previous season of life may have fresh relevance or challenge in it for you today. 

3) Repetition reminds us of what we've forgotten

We had something wise to say here but can't seem to remember what it was.

How do you respond to repetition? What are things that God seems to be repeating to you in this season of life?

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