Devotions based on week 9 of Joy in the Journey: Peace (WATCH HERE)
Sometimes peace needs helpers!
Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Whatever was happening with Euodia and Syntyche, Paul had an earnest desire to have them come into agreement. If he was there, no doubt he would have done what it took to bring the two ladies together and help them come to a resolution of the issue. He wasn’t there, so he calls on others in the congregation to help these ladies.
“I ask you, loyal yokefellow…”
We don’t know who it is, but someone probably who received the letter or was a main connection point between Paul and the congregation.
Again, the Spirit has his reasons.
Perhaps the reason the “yokefellow” isn’t named is so each one of us can see ourselves in this situation. When we have a deep connection to the Gospel and a deep love for the cause of the Gospel, we will step into help those that are struggling to agree to bring alignment to the ministry of the Gospel.
Part of being a member of the body of Christ and a local congregation is working together with others for the sake of the Gospel. It’s easy to find reasons to disagree. It takes effort to continue to move forward with a unity of the Spirit and a bond of peace.
But the advancement of the Gospel depends on it.
And sometimes the Gospel calls us to get into the mess to help resolve differences.
Why?
Why would Paul ask a “loyal yokefellow” to step in and help these women?
Consider these possibilities:
- Paul is not present. He cares about the situation and knows it won’t be resolved without intervention.
- An outside person is able to carry an objective perspective. If you are one in disagreement with another, someone to listen and provide unbiased input can be valuable.
- Another person has different gifts to offer an agreeable solution.
- A brother or sister may have a stronger spiritual maturity to step in and navigate a tricky relationship issue.
- The two in conflict trust this person and will value and apply their input.
God puts us together in community with other believers to help one another out. We’d like to say, “it’s not my problem.” Paul could have said that as he was miles away imprisoned in Rome. Why would a disagreement between two ladies cause him concern.
Because he knew every disagreement, discord and issue that broke the unity of Spirit and the bond of peace would eventually impede the spread of the Gospel.
And the last thing he wanted to see was Satan hinder the power of the Gospel by creating division in the church.
So he calls on his “fellow yokefellow” to help.
God calls on you to help.
Unity in God’s church is all of our responsibilities to work at and seek to bring. We may wish to “stay out of it” but God may have you where you are for the very reason he wants you to get involved in it so unity is restored and the Gospel ministry is preserved.
It’s a privilege. Embrace it as a “fellow yokefellow’!
Apply: Are you “staying out of” a situation where perhaps God is calling you to help settle a disagreement? Prayerfully consider how you can be an active part of the situation!
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for putting me in a Christian congregation to be part of building and maintaining unity and peace around your word and work. When there is a need for a “fellow yokefellow” to get involved, lead me to say, “Here am I, send me!”