Devotions based on week 9 of Joy in the Journey: Peace (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
Can’t we all get along?
Most people don’t like conflict, but we often find ourselves in the middle of it.
It happens for legit reasons and sometimes we don’t even know why.
It happens in our workplaces, our homes and even in the church.
We have different opinions.
We have different ministry ideas.
We have different priorities.
We have different understandings of God’s Word of truth.
While differences can be very healthy and good, when differences become divisive between people, the difference matters.
Difference divides people.
Differences detract from ministry.
Differences take time to resolve.
So Paul says, “I plead…”
We don’t know what was happening between Euodia and Syntyche, but the Spirit probably chose to leave it vague to allow us to apply it to every disagreement we have between people in the family of God.
Take time to resolve it!
When there is a difference of opinions, let go of judgment and embrace curiosity to understand the opinion of the other person. You may have more in common than you do difference. You may realize you want the same thing, but just have stated it differently.
When there is a difference of ministry ideas, perhaps the opportunity is to ask the question together, “What is best for the advancement of the Gospel?” Sometimes our personal preferences and ideas are held onto with too much vigor at the detriment of what is best for the ministry of the Gospel.
When there is a difference in priorities or ways of doing things, often just a conversation enables open sharing and engaging a meaningful discussion to get on the same page.
When there is a disagreement on some doctrinal matter based on Scripture, it is important to sit down with the Word of God and let the Word settle the question. Engaging another Christian leader or pastor may be helpful to settle the matter. All having a humility before the Word is important to allow the Word to settle the disagreement.
Agreement comes “in the Lord.”
When we let go of personal pride, arrogance, hurt and disappointment we can allow the Lord’s truth, forgiveness and grace to restore relationships.
And when we agree “in the Lord” the agreement is well founded and the work of the Gospel can move forward.
Apply: Do you have a disagreement with someone within your church? Paul pleads with you to agree with them in the Lord! What is one step you can do before you see them again to begin to resolve the disagreement?
Prayer: Lord, forgive my pride, arrogance or whatever else Satan is using to cause disagreement between me and a brother or sister in Christ. Let your grace, humility and love be foundational to work to resolve the disagreement and restore unity between us. AMEN.