Scripture
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Phil 4:2-3.
Application
Here the Apostle Paul was appealing to Euodia and Syntyche to settle their disagreement. He was also appealing to others in Philippi to assist them in settling their agreement.
This verse shows us again that the fact that we are all Christians doesn't mean that we will all agree all the time. We have differences. We grew up differently, we have different personalities. We also have different interpretations of events and different temperaments. Yet we are all important.
Different Personalities Is Good
All personalities and perspectives are needed for all of us to grow up into what the Lord has called us to do. One personality or frame would not do it. Euodia and Syntyche were good women. They loved the Lord. They worked for God. They are good evangelists of the gospel.
Though we were not told the source of their disagreement, we know it must have been very strong to warrant mentioning in the scriptures. It appears both of them must have strong personalities. I wonder if they knew that their disagreement would be read over a thousand years later. More importantly, would they have remained rigid in their positions if they knew their squabbles would become frontline for billions of people later?
Settle It
Now, Apostle Paul is telling them to settle their disagreement. Not because one is right and the other is wrong. But, because they both belong to the Lord. They have the same Father.
Members of the same family should be able to quickly settle disagreements. We should be able to extend grace to one another because the same blood of Jesus flows in our veins. It is on this basis that Paul was appealing to them. The truth is that they have both worked hard for the Lord. However, they risk losing it all if they do not settle their disagreement. Obviously they cannot maintain this position and enter the kingdom of God.
Have The Same Father
This is also a lesson for us today. We will have disagreements though we are all Christians because of some of the reasons mentioned above. However, most importantly, every disagreement must give way and be settled on the basis that we all belong to the same Lord. If it is not, it is from the devil and would render all work for the Lord of no gain.
Prayer Point
- Thank You Lord for this truth.
- Father, help me to quickly agree and settle any disagreement on the basis of my connection with You in Jesus name.
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